As the first month of classes wraps up and we’re all settling into our routines, you may be beginning to feel like everyone has a core group of friends — except for you. Although it’s easy to fall into a trap and see your current state as permanent, catching up to everyone else is far simpler than it initially seems.
First of all, it’s important to acknowledge that we all move at our own pace. Just because everyone you know appears to have a perfect group of friends doesn’t mean you’re worth any less than them. Some people just click faster than others. Maybe you did have a great group last year, but the summer and start of classes caused it to fall apart. Your first friend group doesn’t have to be your last.
While it might seem daunting or hopeless at first, there truly are so many paths to meeting people at Clemson. If you haven’t already, turn and speak to the people sitting next to you in class, especially if you have another class together this semester or have in the past. Chatting with my classmates has led me to form several friendships, and now I purposely arrange my schedule to make sure I have a class with them each year.
Another option is to reach out to the people living around you. Whether you’re in a dorm, an apartment or a house, make the effort to get to know your neighbors, even if it means enduring that initial awkwardness. My neighbors and my roommates this year are all friends I made living in my freshman dorm.
Lastly, consider joining an organization on campus. Clubs unite people with similar interests and tastes, so the chance that you’ll get along well with other club members is high. I’ve made so many lasting friendships through The Tiger, and they truly have changed and shaped my college experience for the better.
Don’t be against making friends who are in a different classification or year than you. You might be a few years apart, but we’re all in a similar stage of life at college, one that transcends typical age divisions. I’ve had great friends at Clemson who have now graduated, and I still speak with them regularly.
Feeling alone is normal, even if it’s not common to talk about it. Remember that no one is against friends; they just might be waiting for you to take the first step. Your perfect friendship is likely around the corner if you’re willing to be brave and go outside your comfort zone.
Caroline Block is a junior English major from Mobile, Alabama. Caroline can be reached at [email protected]
