When I entered college, I was scared as heck. I constantly asked myself “How do I make new friends?” Entering college marks a significant transition in life, adulthood, and independence. You might find yourself with people from different regions or parts of the world you may not have heard of, and that’s okay! College is a melting point in life where you see and hear people with different backgrounds, cultures, and personalities. 

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone 

I urge you to step out of your comfort zone and get to know the person you sit next to. You never know who you might connect with. One day I was sitting next to someone, and if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone to ask where they were from and what dorm they lived in, I wouldn’t have learned they were in the same major and coincidentally lived a few doors down from me. Suddenly, I’d made a new friend! This friend has now taken me to explore their hometown and try new things.  

Join Clubs and Student Organizations 

If you have trouble talking to people or are anxious to meet new people, I completely get it; I am also an anxious person, but I was able to slowly adapt. The best way to meet people with similar interests is to get involved in campus activities, whether that is joining sports teams or volunteering for a cause. I've connected with numerous people through dorm activities during my time in Ecology House. There were frequent events every other week, offering a diverse range of activities. These gatherings provided an excellent opportunity to meet incredible individuals. Additionally, attending events like SpringFest or ClubFest allowed me to engage with fellow students who shared common interests, facilitating meaningful connections. 

Take Advantage of Orientation Week 

There are also welcome parties, like O-week, where you can mingle with people outside of the school setting. Orientation was an incredible introduction to campus life as a college student. The themed social nights were a highlight, with each evening featuring a different fun theme or contest. What made it even more memorable were the opportunities to win Cornell-themed gifts, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.  

Building friendships does take time and effort, so don’t expect immediate results. Be patient and be authentic to develop connections organically. Remember that quality friends are worth the wait. Hey, maybe you will also catch yourself, in a different part of the world, having an amazing weekend in your friend’s hometown!