Tips For Making Friends In College If Youre Shy Or Introverted

Regardless of your comfort level in social situations, remember that there is no right or wrong way to experience on-campus life — especially when it comes to forming friendships. For some, connection happens quickly, but for others, it unfolds over months of conversations and shared experiences. It’s easy to assume that making friends in school should just happen naturally. After all, you’re often surrounded by people who are around your age or who share your interests. Still, these commonalities don’t always lead to connection. If you’re struggling to make friends in college, you’re not alone.

Most initial engagement involves assisting students with their needs. For example, if your student works in the bookstore, the conversational icebreaker usually focuses on finding out what the other student needs to find. Introverts can start by practicing brief, low-pressure conversations in comfortable environments. Simple greetings or casual remarks help reduce pressure and build confidence. Setting small, achievable latinfeels.com login goals and using conversation starters can also aid in initiating interactions.

Find out what social media the person is the most active on and respond to the posts and interact with the person and other followers on a weekly basis. When you read other people’s comments you may have an idea of who you like to interact with. A great way to meet new people online is to follow and interact with others who have similar interests than you do. Now that you know your areas of strengths it’s time to decide what qualities you can expect in your friends. Sharing your honest opinion with others instead of pretending to be someone you are not is a good starting point when meeting new people.

• It’s also possible that you’re an introvert and get drained by social situations quicker than extroverts, which can make you feel awkward around other people.
• While I recommend against doing this when it involves putting yourself down, it can be a valuable tool when you’re genuinely looking to make a connection.
• Try deep breathing exercises before social situations – breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, then breathe out for 4 counts.
• While the internet and apps have opened up a world of possibilities, unfortunately, there is a darker side to logging on.

Look For Other People Who Seem Open

Getting your first summer job isn’t just about earning money – it’s also about making friends! Working alongside other teens at places like ice cream shops, movie theaters, or summer camps creates instant bonds. Friends are like your personal cheerleaders – they’re there when you’re stressed about tests, excited about crushes, or need someone to laugh with. Everyone Else Looks More Confident Than They AreThat girl who seems to know everyone? A UCLA study found that 85% of teens feel insecure about their social lives but assume they’re the only ones. Shyness can be the result of low self-esteem, feeling that you’re somehow not worth others’ kind attention, or fear that you’ll be criticized.

Volunteering lets you give back to causes you care about but also connects you with people who share similar values. Whether you’re helping at a local animal shelter, participating in a beach cleanup, or serving meals at a community kitchen, you’ll meet others who are passionate about making a difference. Challenge yourself to initiate conversations, attend social events, or try activities that push your boundaries. Each small step you take will help build your confidence and resilience, making it easier to connect with others over time.

By participating in online discussions or events, you can start building connections before meeting people face-to-face. So, a much as I understand the preference towards and the benefits of being alone for introverts, you’ve got to put yourself out there at least a few times a month. That’s why I’ve compiled some of my favorite strategies to help college students make new friends. With these tips, you’ll have the confidence you need to start making the connections you’re looking for. Common gathering places like cafeterias, the student success center, quads, fitness centers, and similar areas are locations where students often get together informally. Not only are they potentially solid options for people-watching, but they can also create opportunities for spontaneous interactions.

Making friends as an adult is difficult, even for the most outgoing person! If you are shy, it might be difficult for you to make the first move and initiate a conversation. So, let’s take a look at some of the ideas of how to make friends when you’re shy.

Yes, You Can Still Make College Friends If Your Classes Are Online

It is nice to be friends with someone who is usually in a good mood, cheerful, and appreciative of the good things in life. Having a curious friend means that he or she will ask questions and explore different answers. It can be boring to hang out with someone who thinks he or she has all the answers. If your friend only cares about playing video games and you only care about reading romance books, there may be not much to talk about.

If you are interested in cooking or sports look for hashtags on the different social media. You will get new ideas and meet new people who share your same interests. Sometimes, people are desperate to meet new people and soon they realize that their new friends are not a good fit for their lifestyle and interests. Focus on the friendships you do have and keep putting yourself out there. Rejection doesn’t mean you’re not likable; it just means it wasn’t the right fit.

Building confidence in social situations requires practice and preparation. Gradually increase your goals as you adapt to social environments. However, it’s important to remember that lots of people feel this way, even if they don’t always show it. Fear of rejection is a common experience rather than a personal flaw. The first step in overcoming shyness is to understand it better. Shyness often stems from a fear of judgment or rejection, which can make social interactions a lot more intimidating than they need to be.

This article will explore the many ways you can push yourself to make lasting and meaningful friendships when you are introverted or shy. Another important aspect of making friends at work is being approachable and open to new experiences. If you tend to keep to yourself or avoid social interactions, try stepping out of your comfort zone and participating in team activities or social events. This can help you meet new people and showcase your personality in a more relaxed setting, making it easier for others to approach you and strike up a conversation. For many people, making friends can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re shy. Social anxiety or feeling out of place in new situations can create barriers to starting meaningful connections.

Above all, I firmly believe that it’s important to embrace yourself for the unique individual that you are. Maybe you’re not someone who always walks into the dining hall surrounded by people or is the life of the party at social events—and that’s okay. Whether you have social anxiety, struggle with your self-esteem, or simply identify as shy, therapy can help you get to the root of your challenges in making friends in college.

Shared experiences can help you build connections naturally. Take note of the people who are in your classes, and give a nod or wave when you pass them in the halls. Over time, small gestures like this can turn into real conversations.

An in-person or online support group can help you learn new tools that other people find helpful. You may become friends with people in the support group, which can be great as you already likely have things in common. Start with a simple, low-pressure opener like, “Hi, I’m your name. ” Having a few conversation starters in mind can ease the initial awkwardness.