Making Friends at a Commuter School
Start writing a post
Friendships

Making Friends at a Commuter School

I grew up as a military child. This meant having to move every 2-3 years. Which meant having to learn the art of finding good friends, fast. Now, I go to a commuter school and have seen and experienced the difficulties of creating close bonds at a school where, when class ends, the students do too. This is a guide to help you make and keep friends outside of the classroom.

190
Making Friends at a Commuter School

1. You have to make the first move.

Making friends is just like dating. Everyone is scared to make the first move. Instead of going throughout your day wondering why no one has approached you, take the initiative. Talk to a person in each of your classes. It could be the girl sitting next to you, or the boy you were forced to be in a syllabus day welcome project with. Whoever it is, talk to them.

2. Search for similarities and differences.

After you've accomplished this first step the conversation should be free- flowing. However, if you get into a rut of not knowing where to take the conversation outside of in- class topics, then focus on similarities and differences. By latching onto similarities and differences that come up in the conversation you can move the friendship from "school friends" to friends that continue to talk after the semester.

3. Not every conversation has to lead to a bff.

Don't stress about the first conversation. Not everyone you talk to will become your best friend and that's fine. Simply look at talking to a new person in your classes as just that- getting to know them.

4. Clubs…

We've all heard it before. Join a club, make friends! While this is true in some aspects, make sure to join those clubs because you're actually passionate about the topic. That way, even if you don't end up with a close friend right away, you have many acquaintances that you can relate with and get to know slowly.

5. Don't judge yourself.

Walking into the first day in a classroom where the majority of students are looking at their phones or talking to their already established friend can be nerve- wracking. Keep calm and think about all the positive attributes you have to contribute to a friendship and as a person.

6. Don't search for a "group of friends".

A group of friends that surround themselves with each other can appear very appealing. In fact, in Highschool I had a group of friends that I still see to this day. However, in college I've enjoyed diversifying that immediate friend group. You'll meet people through separate classes, clubs, etc. There's no rule that you can't have genuine friends if its not locked in a group. Also, group think can be destructive, so let's stray away from that (another article, another time).

Above all, remember you are as fantastic, worthy, and unique as any other person in your daunting Psych 101 lecture class. You'll kill this year and every other year. Be bold, live without caution, and never judge.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94393
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments