Making friends can be intimidating at times, especially for a shy person in college, but with the tips outlined in this blog post, you will find it easy to talk to people and build connections.
How to make friends in college as a shy person
1. Online communication with classmates
After your initial registration in college, there is usually a course group set up on social media, which is usually the best chance to begin making friends as a shy person in college and also a great way to connect with other students other than your classmates.
You will definitely meet someone even before lectures begin and you might end up stuck together even from orientation, having at least a friend before the class takes away that anxiousness for the first day of college and who knows you might get to know some other people through your friend.
READ ALSO: How to avoid distraction while studying online
2. Participate in clubs and societies.
Join a club or organization if you’re a shy person; it can be hard to make friends in college. However, joining a club or organization will give you something to focus on and make friends with people who share your interests. Secondly, attending events hosted by the school or community center is often social and fun, which will help you get more out of your college experience.
And lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out to people. By talking to them, you’ll not only make new friends but also learn more about yourself and what interests you.
3. In between lectures, walk around the campus
Instead of sitting down and waiting for the next lecture, take some time to visit different cafes, meet new people, and strike up a conversation. If you do this, you will undoubtedly make more friends over the course of a few days, some of whom may turn out to be the best people you have ever met. It may be difficult at first, but once you get past your nerves, talking to them will become second nature, and you will be glad you made an effort.
READ ALSO: 7 Incredible ways on how to be smarter in school
4. Be friendly.
Saying hello and engaging in casual conversation comes naturally to some people, but it is much more difficult for shy people to do unless they make a conscious effort to do so. A friendly smile can go a long way to begin and get a conversation going, as a shy person involved in small talk maybe even more difficult to do, though generally, a shy person prefers deeper conversations despite the fact that it is a good way to begin a friendship.
5. Take the first step
If you want to make friends in college as a shy person, learn to introduce yourself every time you sit next to someone you don’t know in class. You may not be comfortable with this, but you must be brave to practice, as this will give you the confidence you need. At the very least, try to talk to one person each day, and you will be on your way to meeting new people and making new friends.
If you’re not sure how to start the conversation, start by asking simple questions like their name and where they live, or what football team they support.
READ ALSO: How to talk to someone as an introvert
6. Take note of the following:
It’s perfectly fine if you don’t make friends right away; it usually takes longer than expected to find someone with whom you can actually flow; it doesn’t have to be right away; a few friends are fine to be with as long as they share the same interests and personalities as you; it’s also not necessary to have a large group of friends and so don’t feel the need to; a small circle with a few close friends who you can count on whenever you need them is much more valuable.
Finally, whether you are shy or not, remember to be yourself and let your personality shine so that your friends can like you for who you truly are.
Conclusion
If you’re like many people, you may find it difficult to make friends in college. If you’re shy, it can be even harder to forge relationships with others. However, there are ways to make friends as a shy person. By following these tips, you will be on your way to forming strong friendships and creating lasting connections with people that matter.