Now that there are more people on campus and several restrictions have been lifted since last year, there are more opportunities for students to go out, meet new people, and make friends. However, making friends is easier said than done—especially for incoming first-year students who are experiencing college for the first time, or for those who have only experienced Zoom University for the past year due to the pandemic. Fortunately, Monmouth provides a solution to that, and offers many ways to find a buddy on campus.
Since most classes are now in person rather via Zoom, one easy way to make new friends is in your classes. It might be awkward at first, but just ask someone if they would like to grab a bite to eat from the dining hall or the student center food court. When in conversation or trying to approach someone, try and see if you have common interests, whether it be sports, music, video games, going out to the beach, etc. That way you’ll have something to bond over.
Another great way to find friends is to attend events hosted by Monmouth on campus. You can go to board game nights in your dorms, concerts at the Great Hall, movie nights on Hesse field, or you can attend other events.
Liam Beauchamp, sophomore studying education and history, said, “I recommend people go out and attend school events. Whether it be clubs, concerts, movies, it can be anything just go out and be social. I met most of my friends today because I stepped outside my comfort zone. If you want to make friends, you have to put the effort into meeting them.”
While it may be uncomfortable to meet new people, sometimes you have to put yourself out there to make yourself known. The college experience is what you make of it, and if you are not prepared to take the first steps into making new friends, it may be hard to interact with others.
Nevertheless, there is still hope because one simple way to meet other students is by getting involved in extracurricular activities. There are over 125 active clubs on campus, which can help you develop leadership skills, while having fun and making new friends. Whether you’re interested in sports, gaming or learning about new cultures, there is a club for everyone.
However, if none of those catch your interest, you can always start one yourself and leave your mark at Monmouth.
Angelica Alayon, also a sophomore majoring in business administration, commented, “You just have to go out and meet people. There are tons of ways to meet people, going to the events on Hesse field, or just try to start a conversation with people in the food court or dining hall. There are always lots of people in the cafeteria.”
If you’re more of an introvert, going out to events and socializing with others may not be your cup of tea. Perhaps the easiest way to begin making new friends is to interact with the people who live with you. Whether you share a room with one person, with four or even six, try talking with each other and going to events together. That way you can all meet each other’s’ circle of friends’ and you’ll be able to expand your network and friendships even more.
While you may have to jump through a few hurdles with this suggestion, joining Greek life is an excellent way to join a community of people with whom you will develop deep bonds and create long-lasting memories and friendships.
Dacey Nina, area coordinator for Pinewood, Redwood and Laurel Halls offered great advice for those students who may be struggling to make friends. “Step out of your comfort zone, which may include going to an event or program. It may be difficult but you never know who you could meet.”
For those first-year students, it can be tough to start college while still in a pandemic. However, just know there is someone out there for everyone. You just have to get out of your comfort zone and find other students that you will click with and be able to create long lasting friendships. There are over 6,000 students who attend Monmouth University; given time, you will meet a group of people that you will be able to call your friends.
