Nine simple tips to help you build meaningful connections on campus

Nine simple tips to help you build meaningful connections on campus

Starting college can feel like stepping into the unknown - especially when it comes to figuring out how to make friends in college. If you're wondering how to make friends as a freshman in college or even how to make friends as an introvert, you're not alone. It's totally normal to feel nervous about meeting new people or unsure where to begin.

The good news? You're surrounded by potential friendships. You just need a few ways to break the ice. Whether you're keeping your dorm room door open, joining a club or looking up from your phone more often, small steps can lead to real connections.

UW-La Crosse students in the Leadership and Involvement Center provided these top tips on how to make friends in college.

Tips for making friends in college

• Open your dorm room door.
• Connect with classmates.
• Look around - not down at your phone.
• Join a club or organization.
• Make the most of residence hall living.
• Get involved in recreation and intramural sports.
• Explore campus offices of interest.
• Apply for on-campus jobs.
• Find a third place.

Read more about each below.

1. Open your dorm room door.

If you live in a residence hall, try leaving your door open when you're in your room. It's an easy way to signal that you're open to conversation. And if you walk by someone else's open door? Don't be afraid to say "hi" - it might be the start of a new friendship. You will begin to see familiar faces and those connections can develop into study-buddies or someone to join for lunch.

2. Connect with classmates

In many college classes, you can choose where to sit - so don't isolate yourself in the back corner. Instead, sit near others to create chances for casual conversation. Arrive a few minutes early to give yourself time for conversation. You might also consider forming a study group - a great way to connect while helping each other succeed academically.

3. Look around - not down at your phone.

It might sound simple, but looking up from your phone as you walk around campus can make a big difference. Smile. Say "hello" and take in the experiences around you. You'll be more likely to have chance encounters with new people you've met if you are paying attention.

4. Join a club or organization.

College is full of ways to meet people with similar interests. Look for ways to learn about campus involvement at introductory campus events at the start of the year. Whether it's through a club, organization, a performance, a volunteer opportunity, or other campus events, getting involved is one of the fastest ways to make connections.

At UWL, you can:

5. Make the most of residence hall living.

Your residence hall is more than a place to sleep - it's a built-in community. Join hall-sponsored activities, hang out in common spaces and get to know your neighbors. Your home-away-from-home has many spaces where you can study or socialize. Pick a study or lounge space that feels comfortable and spend time there. Others will do the same and you'll connect simply through sharing a space. And remember: your RA or resident assistant is a great resource for support and connection. These fellow students in your residence hall are there to help build community where you live.

6. Get involved in recreation and intramural sports.

Check out what your university offers for recreation and fitness. UWL Rec Sports offers plenty of opportunities to connect with students while being active. No wonder why 86% of UWL students participate in Rec Sports opportunities! Here are just a few highlights, perfect for those looking to make new friends:

• Intramural Sports : Intramural Sports are the most popular extracurricular activity offered on campus. Being involved in the program is a great way to meet new people, continue playing the sports that you have grown to love, or you can try a new activity you've never played before! UWL offers recreational and competitive options in a variety of traditional and non-traditional sports.
• Outdoor Trips: Do you enjoy the outdoors? Take a trip with Outdoor Connection to meet like-minded people and experience the outdoors together! 1/2 day, full day , overnight, and extended break trips are available.
• Group Fitness: With a Rec Sports group fitness membership, you gain access to over 40 diverse classes every week led by supportive and certified instructors. Whether you're a beginner or a fitness enthusiast, you can find your fitness community. Our welcoming environment ensures that everyone feels empowered to prioritize their well-being and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.
• Sport Clubs: Join a team, practice a few times a week and compete against other universities on the weekend. 24 sport clubs are available.

7. Explore campus offices of interest.

Don't be afraid to visit campus offices that align with your identity, interests or goals. They're not just for support - they're also places to build community. The Center for Civil Dialogue & Civic Engagement, for example, provides a space for social justice work and community-building, and McNair Scholars offers support for students exploring post-graduate options. Examples of UWL offices that serve students include:

Pride Center

Student Support Services

Multicultural Student Services

Disability Resource Center

Center for Civil Dialogue & Civic Engagement

McNair Scholars

These offices are part of Access, Belonging and Compliance at UWL, which will host an open house from noon-4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025.

8. Apply for on-campus jobs.

On-campus jobs aren't just great for earning money. They also help you meet fellow students, connect with staff, and become more engaged in the campus community. Plus, they often come with flexible schedules designed for student life. If you're wondering how to work during college, check out our tips to find a balance between work and school schedules.

Find your third place.

Your "first place" is where you live. Your "second place" is your classroom. Having a "third place" is key to creating opportunities for more relationships to form. A "third place" is any setting outside home, work or classrooms where you can engage with others - like your favorite lounge space in a residence hall, your go-to coffee shop, library, gym or local park. It doesn't have to be formal or expensive - just somewhere social interaction happens naturally. When you spend repeated time in a space, you start to see familiar faces that are also spending time there. Over time, you are able to connect with them!

Want to know more? "Finding Your Third Place" by Richard Kyte, director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University.

Read more advice for college students.