Finding new friends
Making new friends at college can be both exciting and intimidating. You might feel overwhelmed or anxious at the idea of putting yourself out there, so we have a few tips to get you started as a Bear.
Where to find friends
Shared Interests! Everyone loves talking about their interests and passions. Even better is finding others who share those interests and passions!
Check out the many clubs, organizations, and group resources to find others who share similar interests:
Outdoorsy or active?
Are you outdoorsy or active (or both)? Check out the Group Fitness Links to an external site. classes at the UNC Campus Recreation Links to an external site.center, workshops and events put on through Outdoor Pursuits, Links to an external site. or consider joining one of the Club Sports Links to an external site.or Intramural Sports Links to an external site. teams available in both Fall and Spring semesters.
Cultural community
Are you looking for a community where you can feel supported in your cultural identity? Visit the Cultural and Resource Centers Links to an external site. on campus! These centers provide support and resources for students while also organizing a variety of events and sponsoring clubs you can join.
Clubs and organizations
There are over 100 student clubs and organizations on campus. Check out the Bear Cave Links to an external site. for upcoming events, a list of all organizations, and ways to get involved on campus.
Greek life
Consider joining Greek Life by applying for a fraternity or sorority with the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office Links to an external site.! There are 21 different Greek societies active on campus - attend an informational session and discover one that fits you!
Major and career
Are you looking to connect with others who have similar career interests and majors? Find your major's department page through the Academic Units Department Directory Links to an external site. to stay informed. These pages also often list clubs and organizations you can join that are related to that major as well as specific events of interest.
Proximity
Attending class already places you in close proximity with your peers. Find a study buddy in each class, set up or attend group study sessions, or find an accountability partner with whom you can exchange contact info to stay up to date with class assignments.
You may not need to look further than your dorm! Dorms often hold various events for students to meet and hang out, while your specific Resident Assistant will host events specific to your floor or section. Perfect for late-night study sessions and spontaneous food runs.
Managing social anxiety and nervousness
Starting a conversation with someone or attending a new event can make you feel nervous, anxious, and vulnerable. You're not alone! Here are some tips and strategies to manage these feelings and prevent them from keeping you isolated.
- Visit the Counseling Center Links to an external site. or Psychological Services Clinic Links to an external site. to find someone to talk to about coping skills, build social skills, and manage anxiety. Individual sessions, as well as group sessions with your peers, are available.
- Check out this Conversations and Making Friends Links to an external site.website for videos and tips on starting a conversation, keeping the conversation going, and exiting a conversation.
- Prefer lists? Look through these 101 Great Conversation Starters Links to an external site. or explore this brief "How to Start a Conversation" Links to an external site. guide with the logistics of starting a conversation.
Healthy friendships
Not all friendships are healthy friendships. The Love Is Respect Links to an external site.and oneLove Links to an external site. websites offer many resources to help you learn how to spot healthy and unhealthy friendships to ensure you're making friends who will be supportive, positive influences in your life.
Be sure that you are also cultivating healthy friendships by understanding how to be a friend. Explore Psychology Today's 6 Rules for Healthy Friendships Links to an external site. website for what to remember when being a friend to ensure you are supporting those around you.
Check out the Assault Survivors Advocacy Program Links to an external site. (ASAP) website for more resources on healthy relationships!
Bonus materials
Check out these additional resources and ways to apply this content to your life:
Additional resources
Want more information on ways to get involved on campus? Check out the Finding fun things to do on campus page.
Is your living situation making it difficult to make friends? Check out the Help with my living situation page for more information about on- and off-campus housing.
Challenge
Pick out one person in each of your classes and start a conversation with them.
Bonus: exchange social media accounts or make a plan to meet up with them outside of class.