8 Vital Tips For Making Friends In College as an Introvert

Starting college can be exciting. New classes, new people, a new place, a new living space… the list goes on! It’s a pivotal time for your life. But for an introvert? It’s overwhelming. Especially the first year where you are moving away from the snugness of high school and your best friends, right?

It’s hard to put yourself out there, meet new people, and engage in small talk in new social situations, nevertheless turn those people into good friends! If you want to avoid being lonely in college, you need to make some close bonds.

When I started college I was lucky enough to have a few people I knew going to the same school. This was a great starting point but over the experience, I really had to put myself out there and meet new people. And you know what? I’m still extremely close friends with at least five of my college friends over 10 years later. We’ve traveled across the world together, gotten married, had children, moved across the country – these bonds are some of the most fulfilling ones I’ve ever had. So trust me when I say it’s worth it to make college friends, even as an introvert!

But how do you even begin to make friends in college as an introvert? Around 40% of college students identify as introverts so you are not alone. The truth is there is no step-by-step guide to making friends. It starts with baby steps, getting out of your shell and comfort zone, and finding your new like-minded besties. It’s a learning process. You don’t have to be social butterfly, there are plenty of other introverted students struggling with the same thing. Let’s get you started.

How To Make Friends In College as an Introvert

Making friends in college as an introvert can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible! Here are some tips:

1. Join clubs or organizations:

Look for clubs or groups that align with your interests. This can be a great way to meet like-minded people in a smaller, more intimate setting.

Think about it: you’re surrounded by folks who already share at least one interest with you, so you’ve got an instant conversation starter. Plus, clubs often have regular meetings or events, so you’ll see the same faces often, giving you the chance to build those connections over time.

And hey, even if you’re not super outgoing, clubs can still work in your favor. You can participate as much or as little as you want. Maybe you’re the quiet type who prefers to listen and observe. That’s cool! You’ll still be part of the group, and as you get more comfortable, you might find yourself jumping into conversations more often.

There are lots of clubs and organization in college to join that are a great place to meet people. Think along the lines of book club, language clubs, study abroad meetups, and more! Check boards around your college campus for specific events.

2. Attend campus events:

When it comes to making friends in college, showing up is half the battle. And one of the best places to do just that? Campus events! These shindigs are like the social glue that holds the college experience together, and they’re prime real estate for meeting new people and expanding your circle of friends.

Campus events are usually buzzing with energy and excitement. Whether it’s a concert, a lecture, or a food festival, there’s always something happening that’s bound to pique your interest. And guess what? It’s probably piquing someone else’s interest too, making it super easy to strike up a conversation with a fellow attendee.

Ask your roommate or some people on your floor to go together because let’s not forget the bonding power of shared experiences. Attending an event together creates a sense of camaraderie that can fast-track your friendships. You’ll have inside jokes, memorable moments, and maybe even a few embarrassing dance moves to look back on together.

This is a great thing to start going the first week of school too. Remember, most people are new at this point and looking to make new social connections. Join in dorm events and meet your fellow residents. It’s an easy starting point and will make for a great year!

3. Take part in group activities:

Joining group activities, even study groups, in college can be a game-changer for introverts like you looking to make friends. These activities offer a relaxed, natural way to connect with others who share your interests.

You’ll find yourself in a setting where everyone’s focused on the same goal or task, making it easy to bond over common experiences. Plus, group activities often involve teamwork, giving you a chance to shine by contributing your skills and ideas.

The best part? These activities usually happen in smaller, more intimate settings, so you won’t feel overwhelmed. You can engage at your own pace, whether that means jumping right into conversations or taking a bit more time to warm up. And as you work together and share experiences, you’ll naturally start building friendships that can last beyond your college years.

Sign up for that club, join that sports team, or get involved in that project. You never know – your new best friend could be waiting for you at the next group activity or study group.

4. Volunteer:

Volunteer for causes or organizations you care about. Not only will you be doing good, but you’ll also have the chance to meet people who share your values.

When you volunteer, you’re surrounded by people who share your passion for making a difference, creating an instant connection. Plus, volunteering often involves working together towards a common goal, which can help break the ice and foster friendships.

Volunteering also provides a structured environment for social interaction, which can be comforting for introverts (*raises hand*). You can engage with others at your own pace, whether that means diving into conversations or taking a more observational approach.

Additionally, volunteering offers opportunities for meaningful, shared experiences. Whether you’re cleaning up a park, serving meals at a shelter, or participating in a charity event, you’ll create lasting memories that can strengthen your friendships.

So, don’t be afraid to volunteer – not only will you be making a positive impact on your community, but you’ll also be opening yourself up to new friendships and experiences. Find student organizations around campus that offer volunteer opportunities and this is an easy way to meet potential friends!

5. Use social media:

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow you to connect with others who share your interests, making it easier to find like-minded individuals to connect with. Join groups specific to your campus for events, meetings, and to start recognizing some classmates.

You can join groups or follow pages related to your hobbies or classes, where you can interact with others and potentially meet up in person. Social media also provides a more comfortable way to initiate conversations, as you can start by interacting online before meeting face-to-face.

Social media can also help you stay connected with friends you’ve already made, making it easier to maintain and deepen those relationships. Just remember to use social media mindfully and prioritize real-life interactions to truly benefit from its potential for making friends.

6. Attend orientation events:

These events are designed to help new college students like you get acclimated to college life, and they’re full of opportunities to meet new people. You’ll find yourself surrounded by others who are also looking to make friends, making it easier to strike up conversations and form connections.

Orientation events often include icebreaker activities and group discussions, providing a structured environment for social interaction. This can be particularly helpful for introverts who may feel more comfortable in settings with clear guidelines. Plus, as you attend these events, you’ll start to see familiar faces, making it easier to approach people and build friendships over time.

7. Be open-minded:

Be open to stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. Sometimes, the best friendships can come from unexpected places. Being open-minded in college can be a huge asset for introverts when it comes to making friends. College is a melting pot of different backgrounds, interests, and personalities, and being open-minded allows you to embrace this diversity and connect with a wide range of people.

When you’re open-minded, you’re more likely to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, which can lead to new friendships. Whether it’s joining a club you’ve never heard of, taking a class outside your major, or attending a cultural event, being open-minded opens doors to new experiences and connections.

Additionally, being open-minded means being receptive to different perspectives and ideas, which can deepen your conversations and interactions with others. This can lead to more meaningful connections and friendships that transcend surface-level interactions.

8. Be yourself:

While this is the last tip on this list, it’s often the first stepping stone to establishing friendships. Easier said than done, right? Authenticity is key to forming meaningful connections. Don’t feel like you have to pretend to be someone you’re not in order to make friends.

When you’re authentic and true to yourself, you’ll naturally attract people who appreciate you for who you are. This can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections with others. Bonding over shared similar interests is one of the best ways (and maybe even the easiest way) to make a new friend group.

Being yourself also means being comfortable in your own skin, which can make social interactions feel more natural and genuine. You won’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not or force yourself to fit in with a certain group – instead, you can focus on finding friends who truly understand and support you.

Being yourself allows you to pursue your interests and passions, which can lead you to like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm. Whether it’s joining a club, volunteering, or attending campus events, being true to yourself will guide you towards friendships that are built on mutual respect and understanding.

vital tips for making friends in college as an introvert

Do You Feel Confident in Making Friends In College as an Introvert?

Whether you’re joining clubs, attending campus events, volunteering, or simply being yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with others and build meaningful friendships. Remember, it’s okay to take things at your own pace and to prioritize your well-being and mental health.

Building friendships takes time, so be patient with yourself and with the process. Embrace your introversion, be open to new experiences, and most importantly, be yourself – you’ll be surprised at how many college friends you can make along the way. So go ahead fellow introverts, make the first move, step out of your comfort zone, and start building those college friendships that will last a lifetime.