Some would argue there’s no such thing as a new beginning. People start everything with certain expectations, and events can be unanticipated when you’re focused on making a change. What’s more, a new environment isn’t necessarily a new beginning. Being accepted at a college puts you in a new environment, but it’s not a new beginning in the sense that you studied hard in high school, got good grades, and enrolled at a good college or university as a result. You built on something to get there.
In light of this, our guide is going to be about how to make new friends, not how to start over.
Making new friends at college
Engaging with other students in your class is probably the easiest way to develop a connection. It is the first step if you want to make friends in college. You can talk about the class, the teacher, or another common subject to break the ice. Ask other people why they chose the class, what they thought about the previous lesson, etc.
Ask someone to be your study partner
Like with the previous point, the subject matter and the class are a foundation for non-personal conversation, which may be good for shy people. If you don’t work well with groups, this could be a great option for you.
Attend events
Colleges tend to hold all kinds of events all year round – musical performances, career fairs, etc. These events bring people together. You might meet a like-minded person when you go to an event you’re interested in. You can use the event to start a conversation, which is an easy way to engage with another student.
Making new friends at work
Start by introducing yourself to your coworkers. If you’ve met everyone in your department already, try to meet employees outside it. You might find useful connections and coworkers who share your hobbies or interests.
When you introduce yourself, remember the other person’s name. Greeting someone by name shows you’re interested in getting to know them. Just don’t go overboard with it – repeating a name over and over is just annoying. Call center staff do it all the time.
Display photos or decorations in your cubicle or on your desk to show your hobbies and give your coworkers a glimpse of your personality. Eye-catching sculptures or family pictures are effective conversation starters. You might have a coworker who also plays tennis, grew up in your area, or likes the same football team.
Making friends in a new city
Just because you stayed in the same city doesn’t mean your old college buddies or coworkers did. Think about old friends and acquaintances in your current social circle. Check alumni databases and social networks. You might already know someone in the new city. Reach out to them, and if they respond, pick a time to see them after you arrive.
Get involved in group activities
Search for local groups and activities in your area by talking to neighbors or visiting a community center. You can continue a hobby you had in your old city or try a new activity. Performing arts, sports, and language courses are all great ways to meet people and make friends.
If you like physical activities, sports and dancing are fun ways to make friends and get exercise at the same time. Search for recreational or competitive leagues for any sports you do.
Language requires talking and involves social activities. If you’ve moved abroad, a language course is probably the best way to meet people.