College is a place where people from a variety of backgrounds gather to learn, to share ideas, and to form new social connections. Socializing has always been a topic worth taking a deeper look at, especially in school, where you face your classmates and teachers every day and come up with your own answers about how to get along with others.
In the campus social world, each student goes from stranger to acquaintance and then, if there is a spark, to partner or friend. Students have different feelings and opinions about their social connections at school. Some students said they are willing to meet new people in a new environment, and others are content keeping their heads down and focusing on the classroom instruction and what needs to be done to get through their classes.
An introverted and shy student said, “I am not used to taking the initiative to talk to people I don’t know unless it is necessary, like my deskmate and my roommate. But if someone comes to talk to me, it makes everything so much easier for me to socialize.”
There are various forms of social interactions on campus. In addition to making friends independently, students can also make friends because of class, clubs, or campus activities.
Speaking about the impact of socializing in class, student Minjoo Kang said, “Most of my friends I know were in class, where the professor divided us into groups to do group work. I met a lot of new people while doing group work.”
She also mentioned that the school holds some activities to bring students together. “The students who attend the events are generally extroverts; their personality makes them better in this environment to make friends,” said Kang.
“I think in college people who are close will be better to know and make friends, for example, some people you see and meet every day, even if you do not communicate just by greeting, but you also remember each other. So the next time you see each other, it’s natural to talk to them because you are already familiar with each other,” said student Chielle Husn.
Besides school events, there are an array of people who may meet at school but socialize outside of the school environment. “Going to events is a good way to socialize, but it doesn’t have to be a college event. It’s also a great way to make friends at a personal event,” said student Jerry Lee.
In terms of students’ social activities at school, many students recognized the social opportunities provided by the school, and some students expressed the hope that there could be activities organized and founded by the students themselves each semester, with venues and funds provided by the school.
Making friends can become increasingly difficult as we grow older, but going to college is a great way to meet new people, form social connections, and hear new perspectives. So whether it is during a class, around campus, at a school-sponsored soiree, or a personal event, there is no time like the present to step out and say hi to someone new. Your new best friend might just be one conversation away.