Advice for College Freshmen: Creating Connections and Community

The first weeks of college are a whirlwind of excitement, uncertainty, and a lot of new experiences. As students begin to navigate this new chapter, making friends and other connections in the campus community will be a big priority.

Some students will have a relatively easy transition and will feel at home and connected right away. For others, the sense of community takes a semester or two to develop. Both paths are completely normal, and it's not always easy to predict which students will need a little extra time to feel connected to their new college home. Whether it takes a week or a semester or two, the following tips (most from college students) can help ease the transition.

Know You're Not Alone

The vast majority of students begin college without many connections. Everyone wants people to eat with, go to games with, and study with. And no matter how connected people are, everyone feels lonely, homesick, and left out sometimes. It's a normal part of acclimating to your new life.

Be Open and Approachable

Try putting your phone away when walking the halls or across campus so you can acknowledge people you recognize. Leave your dorm room open sometimes, or say hi to people as you walk by their open rooms. Smile when you make eye contact with someone. Brief connections like these may seem trivial, but they promote a sense belonging and being "seen".

Show Up- Even Solo

Colleges typically host orientations, social activities, dorm events, and club fairs to help you meet new students, make friends, and find ways to be part of the campus culture. Show up to as many as you can, even if you don't have a friend to go with you. You'll meet new people when you get there.

Get Involved in Multiple Spaces

Join a club, intramural team, or professional organization on campus. Better yet, join a few. Volunteer in the community. Connect with a church. Get a part-time job. Apply to be on a research team. Sign up for group activities and weekend trips through the rec center. Though it's great to stretch yourself and try something new, it's ok to only pick activities that feel comfortable at first. The point is to meet new people and find ways to be involved in your new community.

Be the One to Reach Out

Sometimes people are just waiting to be asked to be part of something. When you're headed somewhere, ask others if they'd like to go with you. Sometimes they'll say no, and that's ok...sometimes people will say yes.

Say Yes to Invitations

Even if an event isn't exactly your thing, going gives you a chance to meet people and get more comfortable in new environments. You never know who you might connect with.

Share Something Simple

Buy some candy or bake cookies in the community kitchen for the people on your dorm floor. Let people borrow items they forgot to pack; tool kits, wall hooks/pins, and scissors are commonly forgotten. Small gestures can make a big impact in creating a sense of community.

Hang Out in Shared Spaces

Start a card or board game in your dorm common area, spend a little extra time talking to people in the cafeteria, or relax out on the quad instead of in your room.

Connect with Campus Staff and Faculty

Your new campus community includes more than just college students. Go to professor office hours, get to know your Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Residential Assistants (RAs), greet the cafeteria and custodial staff, and know how to find your campus tutors and medical/mental health professionals.

Be Patient With Yourself

Sometimes it's hard to feel "at home" early on. It may take a semester or two, so be patient with yourself. Keep showing up and reaching out, and trust that you will continue to build meaningful connections throughout your college career.

Final Thought

College is a major life transition that will bring about a wide range of new experiences and emotions. You'll learn, grow, and change in a million ways. The connections you form along the way will turn your campus into your community and make college feel like home. Enjoy this next adventure!

At Growing2College, we assist families with all aspects of high school and college planning. Request a free 20-min consultation to learn more about how we can be helpful.

Kate Pedigo, M.Ed. NCC is an Independent Educational Consultant and founder of Growing2College. Join us on social media for college planning updates, tips, and resources: Facebook   Instagram   LinkedIn