Students who make an effort to form relationships in college are more likely to be academically successful and graduate on schedule. Students who choose demanding career tracks like biology and the life sciences know they must focus on academics but sometimes neglect to interact socially. The stress of doing well in college can be intense, so the art of making friends in college is vital to your success.
You’ll find many studies indicating the importance of making friends in college. In the book Connecting in College, a study among college students reveals that a close group of friends provided academic motivation and social support. They did well by studying together, checking in with each other when facing important assignments, celebrating each others’ achievements, and de-stress regularly.
The Art of Making Friends in College
Whether you’re just starting college or returning for a whole new schedule of challenging classes, remember these wise words from self-improvement expert Dale Carnegie: “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
If making friends is a bit difficult for you, remember that others at your university are facing the same challenges as you. If you’ve moved away for college, you know what it’s like getting comfortable in a new environment.
In whatever new situation you find yourself, introduce yourself. Others will appreciate your reaching out to them. In those casual conversations, you might discover a common connection that might launch a lifetime of fun times and memorable experiences.
As much as you’ll appreciate the support of your college friends, remember to be their friend – they will have down days, feel pangs of loneliness, or be frustrated with a class. You may not be able to provide a solution. Still, your offer to get a cappuccino or head out for an exercise session at the campus fitness center will encourage them and give you much personal satisfaction.
Make the Effort and Enjoy the Benefits
One thing is certain: there are many opportunities for making friends in college. The article How to Make Friends in College: A Comprehensive Guide lists the most popular ones, including attending campus events, joining a student organization, having a shared college major, and participating in online communities, study groups, and informal gatherings off-campus.
College friendships also tend to become lifetime friends because college is a time of immense personal growth. Those shared experiences in college help you become who you want to be, and the friends you make will assist you in this adventure. Plus, you’ll find they will become extremely helpful as you build a professional network. They often are the source for networking opportunities after you graduate and can help keep you up-to-date in your field of study.
Lindsey’s Story: “We lean on each other”
CUKC College of Chiropractic alumnus Dr. Lindsey Dennis, who moved from a small town in Oklahoma to attend Cleveland University-Kansas City’s College of Chiropractic, can testify to the power of college friendships.
“Luckily, on my very first day, at orientation, I sat down at a table of girls, and we have all been friends ever since,” Lindsey said. “Without my close group of friends, I don’t know how I would have made it through this program. It was really nice when a class got difficult, or when I was stressed, to have people to turn to that understood what I was going through. We all leaned on each other, worked together, and encouraged each other.”
About Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit university specializing in chiropractic and the health sciences. The CUKC campus is in Overland Park, Kansas, a Kansas City area suburb of 190,000 people.
Since our founding in 1922, more than one out of every 10 chiropractors in the U.S. has earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from our College of Chiropractic. The University also offers a B.S. in Human Biology that is stackable with our Doctor of Chiropractic degree to reduce time in college.
Other health science degrees at CUKC include an A.A. in Biological Sciences, an A.A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant, and an A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology. The M.S. in Health Education and Promotion is offered 100% online.
Making friends in college is only one part of a fulfilling educational experience. Get a head start by learning all you can. Talk to one of our admissions advisors. And because financial aid knowledge is important, go ahead and download our free 45-page eBook: Your Guide to Navigating College Financial Aid.
