Starting college is a unique change in everyone’s lives. Sometimes you have to worry about so many things, such as finances and grades, that you forget one important part: friendships. It can be hard to socialize when you come to college.
Everyone keeps to themselves for the most part, so it can be tough to connect with others. Socialization is an important part of college that is very beneficial, and you need to prioritize it.
Having social connections and just socializing in general is super important and necessary in everyone’s lives but especially when you are in college. While everyone is different and has their own journey, we are all sharing the experience of being a college student, and that can bring us together.
It is extremely beneficial for college students to socialize. According to the Prindle Post, college students are able to interact with people from all different regions, learn how to interact with others of different backgrounds and just in general after they graduate. That being said, this means that socializing is important for growth in college.
Socializing is also important for your mental health. Everyone needs this to survive; it is proven in psychology. As found by Inside Higher Ed, with students labeled as “struggling” in its survey, 88% reported feeling stressed out. However, with the “striving” students, 53% felt stressed out.
While one is obviously higher than the other, both reported decently high levels of stress. College students usually feel higher pressure and stress from their situation. From Mental Health, socializing lowers the anxiety producing hormone, which can help us to better deal with the stress in our lives. Also, it gives you people to talk to and express your feelings with, which can decrease the stress that you are feeling.
While making friends on campus could be intimidating or just prove to be difficult, it is very important. Not only is it important for things such as creating a memorable time and experience in college, it’s important for your mental health and teaches you about the world as well.
So next time you’re thinking about branching out and trying to meet new people, do it! Go to one of the free events hosted by Student Life. Go to a volleyball game or join a club. You never know who you’re going to meet and how it will positively impact your life.
| Ways to make friends |
| 1. Join clubs or student organizations 2. Attend campus events and activities 3. Hang out in common areas 4. Say yes to invitations 5. Get involved in study groups 6. Work a campus job or volunteer 7. Start conversations in class 8. Join intramural sports or fitness classes 9. Be open and approachable 10. Connect through online campus communities |
Categories: Contributed, Opinion
