Making new friends in college dorms can be challenging. Unlike elementary school, where you and your friends all attend the same building, college is a much more diverse environment. Meeting new people can feel intimidating, especially when you’re shy. Still, it’s important to remember that attending your first college party or moving to a new university doesn’t mean you can’t make new friends. These tips will help you learn how to make new friends in dorms.
1. Join a society
There is a club for everyone at university, from sports teams and theater to the more bizarre interests. These give you the ideal opportunity to meet other individuals who want to make new friends. The best part is that you’ll already have something in common with the individuals you meet (even if it’s Quidditch or tv series), which makes for an excellent icebreaker. And, in most cases, organizations will hold several gatherings, allowing you to get to know everyone better while bonding over shared interests – perfect!
2. Be open to differences
When you first leave home, you’ll encounter a lot of individuals who are unlike you in terms of views, values, lifestyles, personalities, and other factors. When it comes to change, have an open mind and attempt to broaden your horizons rather than closing your eyes. Learn as much as you can about these individuals, as they will probably want to learn as much as you can from them. The future? You can wind up making a buddy for life.
3. Start with friends and friends of friends
If you have a buddy searching for a roommate, that is a fantastic place to start. But remember that just because you’re friends doesn’t imply you’ll get along. Inform your buddy about your habits and assess whether it is a suitable match. If not, ask if they know anyone wishing to live with someone like you. Keep in mind that the roommate relationship isn’t necessarily based on friendship. Sometimes it never progresses to the point of a friendship. And that’s OK! All that counts is that you can live together peacefully.
4. Keep an open mind
Don’t allow the idea that you already know the “kind” of buddy you want to hang out with stop you. People at university come in various shapes and sizes, so you shouldn’t condemn someone before getting to know them. Friendships can develop in the most unexpected of circumstances.
5. A bit of humor can go a long way
Humor is an excellent way of breaking tension. And you know what the best part is? It’s free! A person with a sense of humor is more open to meeting new people, and it tends to draw people together. If you can make others laugh, you are bound to form a bond with others.
You can make new friends, but you’ll have to be careful to do so in a polite manner. Don’t just pull others into your conversation and immediately tell them about your past. Be kind, introduce yourself with a smile (this encourages the other person to smile back), and seamlessly join the conversation. Start with rock puns! For sure, some of your dormmates are a little bit fanatics about rocks!
6. Be courageous!
That’s why you’re at college, right?. To be courageous! So go ahead, be bold! Say hello to the people you pass in your dorm corridor every day; the coffee barista at the dining hall; the guy you’ve passed several times on your way to class; your professors.
Consider yourself lucky if you get offended responses from some of them (hopefully not from your professors), but in most cases, you’ll make a new friend!
7. Be aware of your environment at all times
Constantly watching out for new interactions doesn’t mean you can’t be cordial to the individuals you’re acquainted with. They are the ones who may introduce you around, as you’ll be stuck in the same environment often. However, try to get to know other individuals at the university through various means.
Start doing activities that are a bit outside of your comfort zone. Try windsurfing, yoga, ballroom dancing, volunteering, or just greeting someone with “hello” and “how has your day been?” Join the football team, enroll in a cooking class, or attend a Viking Society meeting – anything! Making friends is easy once you’ve given yourself a little push.
8. Refrain from being opinionated on your own experiences.
Don’t be a downer if you hear someone in your dorm arranging a vacation to a waterfall you didn’t like. It’s unfair to bring down their enthusiasm for seeing the waterfall because of your negative energy. Maintain a constructive, upbeat attitude and allow others to experience pleasure on their terms.
9. Throw a party!
By throwing a party, you’re opening your doors to meeting the people you usually don’t have a chance to get to know. More often than not, you’ll know what your new pals like, so it’ll be easy to plan activities you will all enjoy. Parties are a superb way of meeting new people and forming friendships with individuals who also want similar activities while exposing you to people outside your circle. Also, students like anything free, so consider giving snacks and beverages.
10. Use the power of social media
Social media is an incredible tool for college kids as it provides exposure to potential friends that would’ve been impossible before. Feel free to like friends’ statuses or share their posts; you never know who will like or comment on them! Remember not to overdo it with all the “liking” and “friending.” The best way to initially start talking to someone on social media is to comment on their posts. You can ask a question about their situation or tell them that you liked their photo.
11. Get to know others’ interests
Although keeping to yourself is a good way of avoiding unnecessary drama, it can also make it difficult to make friends. If you are in your dorm and one of your dormmates is studying, offer to help them; it’ll give you a chance to get to know them better and might even make them consider inviting you to a social event with them.
12. Organize something with dorm mates
Meeting individuals who reside within your dorm is an excellent way to begin finding friends. You all share similar interests, so organizing a small gathering or activity might help enhance everyone’s mood. This idea can also work for your suite mates!
In conclusion, remember, first impressions count a lot. Make sure to be polite and humble when meeting new folks. Don’t try to shove your opinion on others’ faces, and don’t be negative about others’ ideas. Making friends is easy if you give it a chance! Do some research about other students in your surroundings and prepare yourself for meeting new friends!