Regardless of your comfort level in social situations, remember that there is no right or wrong way to experience on-campus life — especially when it comes to forming friendships. Common gathering places like cafeterias, the student success center, quads, fitness centers, and similar areas are locations where students often get together informally. Not only are they potentially solid options for people-watching, but they can also create opportunities for spontaneous interactions. Maintaining friendships involves consistent communication, like regular messages or calls. Small gestures, such as sharing a funny meme, can keep connections strong.
Identify any type of organized activity by these environments that can promote communication between people. This means putting aside distractions, like your phone or your own thoughts, and focusing entirely on the person speaking. Now, I suggest moving on to the second tip which is to use social networks to your advantage. I know it’s relying on stereotypes, but anything related to a hobby known to attract cerebral, homebody, or alternative types is a decent bet. Just realize they play more to the strengths of chatty types who can make a whizz bang first impression.
There’s nothing wrong with those relationships, but that won’t be covered here. Research suggests it takes approximately 50 hours of interaction to develop casual friendship, 90 hours for regular friendship, and 200+ hours for close friendship. For shy people attending weekly activities, this translates to roughly 3-6 months for casual friendship and 6-12 months for deeper connection. This timeline is longer than it might be for extroverts, but the resulting friendships are often stronger due to the gradual trust-building. Don’t be discouraged by slower progress—quality friendships are worth the investment of time. No matter what social situations you find yourself in, you’re unlikely to make lasting connections if you don’t reach out to people.
Every teenager goes through this, and you’re not alone in feeling nervous about making friends. Making friends as a teenager can feel scary, but you’re not alone! Sarah was super shy until she joined her school’s art club. She discovered other kids who loved drawing just like her. Now they hang out every weekend creating comic books together.
Mitchell’s love for music is evident in his off-duty hours, often found exploring new genres or playing the guitar. Try stepping out of your comfort zone a little bit each day. Consider sitting with someone new at lunch, joining a club, or asking a classmate about their weekend. Try joining one activity you enjoy, or smile at someone new tomorrow.
You might feel drained after social interactions and need to recharge. A simple message like, “I love hanging out, but I need some downtime to recharge,” promotes understanding. Looking for activities that align with your interests can create a natural basis for connection. Join clubs or classes focused on hobbies or topics you enjoy. You’ll meet people with similar passions, allowing conversations to flow more easily. Acknowledge your emotions to start breaking down barriers.
Since it creates an inherent degree of kinship, this option can work well for extroverted and introverted students alike. If your student does, spending a little time getting to know their roommate is an easy way to explore a possible social connection. While there’s no guarantee they’ll develop that sort of bond with a roommate, the situation makes trying a wise idea. Not only will roommates have ample chances to engage with each other one-on-one, but having even a casual rapport could make the year easier regardless of whether they become friends. At times, shier or more introverted students get anxious about making the first move. In some cases, you can reduce the need to do so by simply being friendly toward everyone what is Charmerly you encounter.
- No matter what social situations you find yourself in, you’re unlikely to make lasting connections if you don’t reach out to people.
- Make it a goal to learn their names and have one brief, friendly interaction weekly.
- Instead, they might stay closer to the edges of the party.
- Fortunately, certain approaches can ensure that making friends in college is as simple as possible.
- Jake felt left out until he started saying “hi” to classmates in the hallway.
Sign Up For An Online Club
Fear of rejection is a common experience rather than a personal flaw. The first step in overcoming shyness is to understand it better. Shyness often stems from a fear of judgment or rejection, which can make social interactions a lot more intimidating than they need to be. Leveraging these online strategies allows you to connect comfortably and form friendships as a shy introvert. Building confidence in social situations requires practice and preparation. Gradually increase your goals as you adapt to social environments.
How To Make Friends At A 4-year College Or University
Self-confidence plays an essential role in life in general and also in the ability to make friends. In both cases, the key aspect is to be open and friendly, while remaining aware of the other person’s social signals. You can also engage in conversation with the staff, which can naturally evolve into exchanges with other customers.
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We’re trying to overcome your shyness and anxiety so that you can socialize like a confident introvert and make friends who understand and appreciate you. But with a few years of practice, mental and emotional work, I was able to overcome my social anxiety and social awkwardness to become the socially confident introvert I am today. In some cases, shy students may feel more comfortable initially connecting with someone in writing. For example, they could reach out to a classmate on social media to ask a question about a course they’re both taking, using that to establish an initial rapport. Then, when they meet in class after that discussion, engaging in person might seem less daunting. Shy people may feel uncomfortable being around people they aren’t familiar with.
It just means there are others you will get along with – you just have to find them. Consider attending events that promote casual conversations, like community fairs or book signings. Isolation decreases in these environments, making low-stakes exchanges easier to initiate. Simple greetings or casual remarks can serve as icebreakers.
Scheduling regular catch-ups—whether it’s a video call, lunch, or a quick chat—promotes a sense of continuity. Agree to meet, even if only for a few minutes each week, to catch up on each other’s lives. Creating shared experiences, like attending events together or taking a class, helps make memories that fortify your friendship. Online platforms provide a comfortable setting for shy introverts to connect with others. You can find various communities that align with your interests and engage in conversations without the immediate pressure of face-to-face interactions. Making friends as a shy introvert involves understanding your social comfort levels and taking manageable steps.
