Published: Jan. 9, 2024

Friends

Getting involved is one of the best ways to meet new people on campus and develop a group of friends. Often, the key to getting involved includes stepping out of your comfort zone, being open to new experiences and connecting with people you might not have met otherwise. Wherever you are in your academic journey, you can find ways to get involved and meet people. Here are a few ways to develop friendships. 

Try new things

Students often hear that they need to find and pursue their passions. While that can be true, college is also an excellent time to try new things. Maybe it's your first time living near the mountains and you want to explore the great outdoors. Perhaps you want to try crafting or challenge yourself with a friendly competition. 

No matter what you’re into, take advantage of opportunities to tap into things that sound interesting to you. Outdoor Pursuits at the Rec Center offers classes, equipment rentals, a climbing gym and trips for students to access Colorado’s outdoor activities. The Center for Student Involvement hosts DIY Nights and Buffalo Nites. You can check out The Connection to try your hand at bowling, billards or ping pong. 

As a student at CU Boulder, you can expand your horizons. You can learn something new, discover a hidden talent or hobby, meet people and build friendships. If you find something you enjoy, plan to go regularly. The more you show up, the easier it may be to connect with people who are also regulars. 

Find your community

Finding community and gaining a sense of belonging is especially important at a large university like CU Boulder. Whether you just arrived on campus for your first semester or are applying to graduate soon, there is a place for you here. CU Boulder has over 500 student organizations. Check out BuffConnect to see the many options for meeting people with similar interests. You can also find programs tailored to specific groups, activities or identities.  

Here are a few of the opportunities for students to get involved. 

Make the first move

When meeting new people and forming friendships, putting yourself out there can be scary. For many people, it’s common to feel nervous about initiating social plans. However, you can use this to your advantage. One strategy to try this semester is to commit to making the first move. 

Try to be the first to introduce yourself when meeting someone new. Taking on the responsibility of breaking the ice can help pave the way for new friendships. Here are a few places you can start to connect with others: 

  • In the classroom: Talk to the students sitting around you or suggest forming a study group. 
  • In your residence hall: Make it a goal to connect with someone new each day. You never know what you might have in common with your neighbors. Ask someone on your hall to join you for dinner or check out a campus event together. 
  • In extracurricular activities: Whether volunteering, working on campus or being part of a student organization, you’ll have the chance to interact regularly with other students. If you hit it off with someone, ask if they want to hang out. 

It might take some effort to push past the nerves and talk with new people, but it can lead to new experiences and a wider social circle. 

Start small and keep trying

Building friendships takes time. Remember that you can go slow and take small steps each day to meet people and invest in finding your community. Don’t be hard on yourself or give up if you put yourself out there and it’s not a good fit. Be proud of yourself for trying!  

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you pursue friendships: 

  • Make time to have fun and meet people. While focusing on academics is important, taking breaks and spending time with others is also valuable. 
  • When meeting new people, focus on the positives. Look for things you have in common, like personality, hobbies, shared experiences or humor. 
  • Keep trying. It can take time to find friends that you connect with. Also, not everyone you meet needs to be a close friend. It’s OK to have friends that you only see in class or when you work out at the Rec Center. These interactions can still add comfort to your daily routine. 

When students feel connected at CU Boulder, they often experience improved academics and mental health. Developing friendships is one way to gain a sense of belonging and enhance your time at college. 

Struggling to make friends?

Making friends in college can be more challenging than it was when you were younger. Here are some tips from Health and Wellness Services if you are struggling to find friends on campus. 

7 things you should do if you're struggling to make friends on campus

Resources 

Check out more ways to get involved from the Division of Student Affairs. Stay connected to campus events by downloading the CU Boulder Life app or following @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter). 

BuffConnect

CU Boulder has over 500 student organizations. Check out BuffConnect to see the many options for meeting people with similar interests. You can also find programs tailored to specific groups, activities or identities. 

Work on campus

There are a ton of open jobs available on campus that can help you earn cash, build your resume and meet other students. 

Student events

The Division of Student Affairs hosts hundreds of free events every semester. Find activities to attend, and take this opportunity to invite someone you know to join you. 

Volunteer Resource Center

Volunteering for causes you care about can help you learn new skills, gain experience, make a difference and meet people with similar passions. 

Center for Inclusion and Social Change

CISC offers programs, events and resources to promote inclusion and nurture identity development, diversity, equity and social justice. The gathering space in the CISC office gives students a place to meet new people, study or connect with staff. 

Anxiety Toolbox

If you struggle with social anxiety or are nervous about meeting new people, consider joining Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) for a free weekly workshop to learn how to manage and work with your anxiety so you can thrive on campus.