Friends 101

Starting college causes a great deal of transition in everyone's life. Being away from home, going to a commuter school (students mostly live off campus), getting used to the lifestyles and classes can all cause some struggle for anyone. Combine this with having to leave old friends and high school behind, some people experience difficulties with making friends on campus.

One of the most successful tactics for making friends and meeting new people is to do some soul searching. What do you believe in, what is important to you? It could be animals, the environment, religious preferences. Once you have decided on that, find the on campus group founded on that subject. This will introduce you to fellow students who share your passion or beliefs about a particular subject. This can open doors to lifelong friendships and keep you from feeling isolated at school.

There is no "We Love the Polka Dot" group on your campus? Get it started! Ask around, stand up in your classes and make a quick announcement or take a poll. Ask around the student center during dinner when it there is the largest group of students around. Make a notice for the school newspaper and ask a member of the faculty to get behind your group if they share your beliefs. This support can be invaluable to enhancing your group's membership.

Other organizations you can join to meet people in college are called fraternities or sororities. Fraternities can consist of male members or be co-ed (have male and female members). Sororities are designated for females only. Each fraternity/sorority has its roots and works like a family. It does tend to be a little more costly. During a college/university's Greek Week or Rush week, you can visit with members to find out what their missions and traditions are and what kind of people have been elected to each. You then have the option to "rush" these groups, or partake in activities to join. The group then decides how many new members they will take and who will be accepted. Acceptance means taking on a great deal of tradition and treating the members like brothers and sisters. The benefit of this familial style is the support that brothers and sisters can provide. If you are considering this option, one thing to consistently remind yourself is that no group should ever haze you, or ask you to do something humiliating or inhumane.

Joining or starting organizations in college can lead to many lifelong friendships between people who share common bonds. Fraternities and sororities differ from campus organizations because of the tradition, causes and the costs to join. When considering these groups for establishing friendships during your college years, look at all of your options and choose carefully.

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