Going to college in this decade versus the last decade is a completely and totally different experience. There’s more to worry about, and different ways to worry about them. One of the most worrisome things when facing college can be finding a solid friend group. I can assume that those who are reading this are either about to start college or have just begun it. I promise you, if you’re reading this, it’s not too late (Sorry, Drake). It can sometimes feel like when you look around, everyone has already found their group and has sealed the door shut to new members. Often times, these people don’t know have it all figured out either. Hopefully, in writing about my experience entering college without a friend group, I can help reassure you and ease some of the stress off of the undeniable college burden.
It’s okay if it takes a while. These things don’t happen instantaneously. When I first arrived at my college, I left all my high school friends behind. While they were attending state schools together, I was venturing into uncharted friendship-territory. Entering my third week of school, I still didn’t know who was going to stick with me for college and who I would just casually say hi to in the halls or between classes. It can take up to a full semester to fully establish a group of friends who you feel comfortable and can be yourself around, so don’t rush it, and definitely don’t feel like you’re doing something wrong if you’re not racking up the Instagram follow requests after week one.
Start with one person, and then make connections as you go. As my roommate likes to say, everyone needs a squad. The best way to go about this is starting with one person that you have a connection with, and then expand with their friends, and so on. For me, this person close to me was my roommate. By having her introduce me to the friends that she had made, I was able to become connected with amazing people that I would have never met before. All it takes is starting with that one person.
If you see an opportunity to go with a group, take it. Plenty of times in college there are opportunities to have conversations with people outside of the classroom. One place in particular is the cafeteria. It can be as simple as recognizing one person from your class and walking over to talk, and sooner than later you’re sitting at a table with a new group of potential friends.
Keep yourself open, and try not to shut down plans or potential friendships too quickly. Knowing what’s best for you is one of the best tools to have in college; however, sometimes it can be easy to assume that we’re not cut out for something or someone based on quick assertions. Not keeping an open mind can lead to missed chances of connecting with people you might have a lot in common with. If you think there’s even the smallest chance you might enjoy yourself at this event/with this person/doing this activity, go for it! You only go to college once. Take the time to enjoy it with the people around you.
I hope these tips can guide you in establishing that coveted Taylor Swift-esque squad we all desire. There is not much better than having a group of people by your side that support you undeniably, especially during these four years.
