Picture this: it’s the first day of Fall Semester your freshman year, and you’re walking into your very first class. Nerves are high, but you’re excited to see if there’s any familiar faces from NSPO week or from your dorm. It’s a Scripps class, so you’re expecting to see at least one person you know. But as you walk in and scan the room of faces, you realize you don’t recognize anyone.
Never fear! As someone who had this happen to them, I can assure you that all will be well so long as you keep an open mind and have a positive attitude. I met some of my closest friends in my freshman year, not through clubs or dorm events, but through classes. Classes are a great way to bond with people over shared interests, frustrations, and the never-ending flow of work you all will have to do.
Here are some tips (at least this is what worked for me) for how to make in-class connections that last!
Say hi:
Ok DUH! You need to say hi to people first instead of expecting them to say hi to you, which is definitely easier said than done. One thing that got me through awkward interactions my freshman year was my vow to always say hi to people you know or even slightly recognize, even if you don’t know them well. If you see someone from your class, say hi! If you’re in a group and recognize someone, try to make the connection! In my eyes, if you say hi to someone and they don’t say hi back, either they didn’t hear you or they have an issue and it’s not related to you. Be brave!
Set up group study sessions:
A great way to bond with classmates is by asking people if they want to work on class stuff with you outside of class. This could be as simple as, “hey, do you want to hit up the Motley this weekend to work on this project?” And again, if they say no, don’t take it personally! Some people just like to study alone. But I predict a majority of people will take you up on that offer.
Connect with people online:
Yeah yeah yeah… it’s good to prioritize in-real-life interactions. But sometimes a new friendship is budding just behind the closed door that is a private Instagram profile. Meet someone in class that you think is cool? Follow them on Instagram! It’ll let them know that you want to move the class connection beyond the walls of the classroom.
Ask to get a meal (my favorite):
Classes right before lunch are awesome because you can ask your classmates to get lunch with you. I made a few friends this way! It’s a casual enough request, and since most people are hungry around 12:15, it’s a good offer. Also, it’s usually good to brave the Malott 12:15 lunch rush with a buddy, just in case you have to elbow anyone in line (just kidding).