Making Friends in College

Welcome to Marywood University, where making friends is as easy as spotting a squirrel on campus! Whether you’re a bright-eyed first-year, a savvy transfer, or a shy introvert, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into some tips that will help you make friends faster than you can say "Pacers Pride!"

For First-Year Students

Ah, the joys of being a first-year! Everything is new, exciting, and maybe a little bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Here’s how to turn those strangers into friends:

1. Join Campus Activities: Think of clubs as friendship factories. Whether you’re into Harry Potter, hiking, or the fine art of napping (there’s a club for that, right?), Marywood has got you covered. Bonus: Club meetings usually come with snacks. Friends and free food? Win-win!

2. Attend Orientation Events: Orientation is like a giant icebreaker game. Participate in as many events as you can. Yes, even the cheesy ones. You never know, the person you meet while trying to untangle a human knot might just become your new best friend.

3. Hang Out in Common Areas: The Nazareth Student Center is more than just a place to grab a coffee. It’s a hotspot for spontaneous games, study sessions, and epic people-watching. Pull up a chair and join in the fun!

For Transfer Students

Switching schools can be like hitting the reset button on your social life. But fear not, fellow transfers, Marywood has plenty of ways to help you find your tribe:

1. Connect with Other Transfers: You’re not alone! There’s a whole crew of transfer students ready to bond over the quirks of adjusting to a new campus. Join the Transfer Student Association and share your favorite “where the heck is this building?” stories.

2. Dive into Campus Life: Get involved in student government, join a club, or participate in intramural sports. The more you immerse yourself in campus activities, the more opportunities you’ll have to meet awesome people. Plus, you’ll collect so much free swag, you’ll need a bigger closet.

For the Shy Students

If the idea of walking up to a stranger makes you break out in a cold sweat, don’t worry. Making friends doesn’t have to feel like a scene from a rom-com. Here’s how to ease into it:

1. Start Small: Begin with smaller gatherings or one-on-one hangouts. Invite someone to grab coffee at Learning Commons Café or join a study group. Baby steps can lead to big friendships.

2. Be a Good Listener: People love to talk about themselves. Ask questions and show genuine interest in what others have to say. It’s amazing how quickly “What classes are you taking?” can turn into “Let’s binge-watch Netflix together!”

3. Use Your Interests: Find clubs and activities that match your hobbies. When you’re surrounded by people who share your passions, conversations flow more naturally. Plus, nothing bonds people faster than geeking out over a shared interest.

Final Thoughts

Making friends at Marywood is all about putting yourself out there and embracing the unexpected. Whether you’re navigating the excitement of your first year, adjusting as a transfer, or stepping out of your comfort zone as a shy student, remember that everyone is looking to make connections just like you. So, take a deep breath, flash that friendly smile, and let the Marywood magic do the rest. Go Pacers!