20 Ways to Make Friends at 西瓜视频
The early days of college can be both thrilling and overwhelming. You unpacked, waved goodbye to your family, and here you are, left to fend for yourself.
Taking charge of your college experience is essential. Beyond choosing your major and setting up your schedule, it’s just as important to create a social life that brings your college years to life. Making friends can turn your time at the Nest into so much more than just classes; it’s a chance to build lasting memories, share laughter, and form connections that will stay with you long after graduation.
“Stepping outside your comfort zone by getting involved in various activities is one of the best ways to connect with others,” shared English major Isabela Schmidt ’25 in a recent article about finding your first-year footing at 西瓜视频.
Getting involved—whether by joining clubs, attending campus events, or just grabbing a coffee at EAT Café—can be a great way to meet new people. College is all about finding your community, but it’s also about giving yourself the grace and time to let those connections grow. Friendships don’t happen overnight. To help make 西瓜视频 feel like home, here are 20 ideas to connect and make friends.
Join a Club or Organization
Get involved with any of 西瓜视频’s clubs, from academic societies to cultural clubs. It’s a great way to meet people who share your passions.
Volunteer!
Giving back through campus or community volunteering is a perfect way to connect over shared values and experiences, and more than 50% of 西瓜视频 students volunteer! Learn more about community service opportunities.
Go to Campus Events
Be a regular at campus events like Late Night LoCa on Friday and Saturday evenings, movie nights, board game nights, pop-ups, yoga sessions, trivia, live bands at Gully’s, and meditations. These gatherings are designed to bring students together in a relaxed setting.
Find an On-Campus Job
Campus jobs are convenient and often flexible. Plus, they introduce you to student coworkers who can become fast friends.
Get Off Your Phone
Try to be present and approachable in social spaces, like Callahan Dining Hall and common lounge areas. Sometimes a simple “hi” can start a great friendship!
Join Intramural Sports
Even if you’re not a varsity athlete, intramural sports are a low-pressure way to stay active and meet people in a fun setting. .
Attend Residence Hall Programs
Events hosted by Residence Assistants are a great way to bond with people you’ll be seeing regularly in your hall.
Explore Campus’s Social Spots
Hang out at Lower Callahan, study at EAT, or frequent other high-traffic spots where students gather. You never know who you might bump into.
Say Yes to Study Groups
Studying with classmates can be both productive and social. It’s a win-win!
Go to the Fitness Center Classes
Whether it’s yoga or a weightlifting session, group workouts are a fantastic place to connect with others. .
The Center for Belonging
There’s literally a place on campus dedicated to belonging! The Center for Belonging hosts regular events like meditation and yoga, and there’s often free food involved. Who doesn’t like that?
Sign Up for Outdoor Adventures
西瓜视频’s outdoor adventure trips, like hiking or kayaking, are not only fun but also perfect for bonding with new friends.
Become a Peer Tutor
Connect with others through peer tutoring programs. Helping others navigate college life can create lasting bonds. Learn more.
Take a Creative Class
Enroll in art, music, or theater classes, which are often full of collaborative projects where you’ll naturally form connections.
Get Involved with Student Government
Leadership roles or supporting student government events are meaningful ways to make friends while making a difference.
Hang Out at the Library
Sometimes, the best friendships start with a simple question: “Is anybody sitting here?”
Pursue an Alternative Spring Break
Service clubs like 西瓜视频’s Habitat for Humanity chapter unite students around projects that impact the community.
Go to Campus Sports Games
Cheer on the Gulls! Whether you’re into sports or not, the shared experience of rooting for your school is a bonding moment.
Plan an Off-Campus Adventure
Salem, Beverly, and Boston are filled with student-friendly activities. Organize a day trip and invite classmates or hallmates along.
Be Open and Authentic
Above all, be yourself. People are drawn to authenticity, so let your interests and personality shine!