We’ve all been there: nervous butterflies, awkward pauses, and the never-ending repetition of questions like, “Where are you from?”, “What’s your major?”. The reality is, everyone is just as nervous as you are, trying to find a group to belong to. Here are three tips that helped me find my people on the UW-Madison campus.
Just say yes!
After a long day, it can be very tempting to stay in your room, but the best friendships start in random moments. You don’t need to be the most outgoing person in the room; sometimes, all it takes is a small yes to going to the student org fair, meeting new people, and starting a conversation.
There’s no such thing as the “perfect” friend group.
Most freshmen have the preconceived notion that they will find their best friends during the first week of college. Start small, talk to your neighbors, the people in class, and invite people to have a meal. Often, it’s these small interactions that blossom into a beautiful friendship.
Don’t be afraid of judgment.
Don’t let fear stop you from taking small risks in introducing yourself first or asking someone to hang out. Even if it doesn’t go the way you planned, remember rejection is redirection and there’s something better waiting for you.
Remember, making friends in college isn’t about being the most amazing, well-thought-out, confident person in the room; it’s about being open and giving yourself grace to find your place. Take a deep breath and trust that everything will work out. You got this!