When I was going to school, I saw a lot of posts about “how to make friends in college”. You get a lot of ideas like say hello to people on the street and join a bunch of clubs right off the bat. Those things do not work for everyone. I came to college as an out-of-state student, so I didn’t know anyone at school. Being a freshman, you have the advantage of being able to make friends in your dorm.
You may not have even thought about the difference between friends and quality friends, but it is really important. When going to college, the people that you meet have not known you for your whole life like your hometown friends may have. They do not know your backstory, why you are the way you are or anything besides what you choose to tell them.
For some people, this can be a great thing, but for others, it can make them feel really lonely.
Personally, I strive for deeper and more meaningful connections with my friends in college. If this is something you are looking for too, you have to start right where you are living: Your Dorm!
Take Advantage of Your Shared Room
Believe me, when I say, I know that you do not always get to choose your dorm or your roommate. Sometimes it is not what you were looking for.
You 100% have to be open to the new experience. Talk to your roommate right off of the bat. They are a person that you are going to be in close proximity to all year long, so they could be a perfect close friend.
But how do you actually do this?
Coordinate Your Decor With Your Roomie
Something fun that you can do even before you move in to get to know your roommate is decorating together or coordinating your packing.
If you want suggestions on what to pack, check out this list & this post for the Do’s & Don’ts of Packing for College
Go to Freshman Events Together
There are always soooo many events on campus during the first couple of weeks for new students. Not only are they a great way to meet other people and learn about organizations, but it also makes for great roommate bonding.
Take the initiation and ask if your roommate would like to walk to those events together. That way neither of you have to go alone, and you can get to know each other along the way.
Test out the Dining Halls
Food is such a great bond with new friends. Everyone eats, and most people enjoy socializing while they eat. This makes for a perfect way to get to know your roommate.
Go to Organization Information Sessions
If you find things that you and your roommate have in common, find out if there are others on campus that enjoy the same things! There are tons of clubs and organizations on college campuses, but sometimes it can be nerve-racking to join them by yourself.
Your roommate makes for a perfect buddy to check out groups with and choose where to get involved.
Embrace the Dorm Life
Your roommate is not the only choice you have in a close friend, though, when living in a dorm situation. The building that you are in is FULL of students in the same situation. They are looking for people to connect with.
I was very fortunate to live in a dorm that was inherently more social, but I also had to take advantage of opportunities that arose throughout the year.
Leave Your Door Open
One of my favorite unspoken rules in my dorm was that we left our door open while we are home. This allowed up to always say hello to people as well passed by. I loved being able to come back from class, just walk around my floor, and instantly find out who was home to hang out with.
If you are more comfortable in your own space, just leave your door open! It is such an easy way to invite other people to hang out and get to know you.
Spend Time in Common Spaces
Most dorms have study rooms or general common areas where people can spend time, and the best part is that they are great for much more than studying.
My hallmates & I had movies nights, game nights, and even Friendsgiving in our study room, but it all started with people just hanging out in there at night.
If you need a change of scenery, go work on homework in that common room, and see who wanders in! It is a super easy way to connect with people without even leaving your dorm.
Take advantage of free events & free food
Another way to get plugged in at your dorm is to pay attention to different events that are going on.
We had karaoke, movies, hot cookie Friday, snack bars, and lots of other events in our dorm. You could go, meet other people, and if nothing else, get free food (which is always good in college).
Zéna Dagher says
Those are some great tips! I never lived on campus when I went to college but this post makes me want to experience that. And I’m sure some students will find this very helpful 🙂
Jannette Romero says
Great tips! Will be super helpful for all the incoming college kids!