Out of the thousands of students enrolled in your college, one is destined to be your perfect BFF. Here are 11 tips to help you find your best friend for life.
1. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
In order to meet new people, you're most likely going to have to take initiative and start a conversation first. In addition to making a new friend, this will also improve your social skills, making this step easier every single time.
2. Don't limit yourself to your high school friends.
High school friends are great, and they definitely make you feel a little more comfortable in a new space with many unfamiliar faces, but those faces are also potential new friends. Don't let old friends hold you back, because high school is in the past.
3. Talk to people in your classes—especially ones required for your major.
Class is an incredible way to meet new people. It is also extremely helpful if you lack creativity and don't know how to start up a conversation, because you can just talk about the class to get things started. After that, you can make plans to do homework or study together, and then your friendship can grow into more than just classmates.
4. Get involved.
Join a club, sign up for an intramural sport, run for student senate; the possibilities are endless. Making friends is almost inevitable when you're in a group of people with a common interest.
5. Leave your door open.
It may sound weird, but an open door will definitely make any potential new friend feel more welcome around your living space. Leaving your door open will allow you to see and talk to new people, even if it's just a short hello and a smile.
6. Do homework in a public space like a library or coffee shop.
Okay, this one may be a little farfetched, but honestly, it is impossible to make new friends when you lock yourself in your room to study. Don't be antisocial.
7. Go out!
Go to the bars on weekends, hit up frat parties or tailgate for a football game. You will be surrounded by so many people who are already in a good mood because of all the fun (and alcohol) they're having. It'll also be a little easier to talk to strangers if you have some liquid courage in you as well.
8. Rush a sorority or fraternity.
So many people don't think srat/frat life is for them, but don't knock it until you try it. Once you join, you instantly make a ton of friends who you'll also get to live and share a bond of brotherhood or sisterhood with.
9. Don't be afraid to hit the follow button first.
Once you follow someone on Instagram, you're friendship level automatically spikes. I don't really know how to explain this one, so you'll just have to give it a shot (it works, I promise).
10. Go to on and off-campus events.
Go to a concert. Listen to a guest speaker. Go see a play or a dance recital. This instantly gives you a great conversation starter with someone who probably has interests similar to your own.
11. Make friends with your friend's friend... and their friend... and then their friend too.
I saved the best and easiest for last. This one is pretty self-explanatory, but it's great because your friend already did most of the work.
