Meet Miami U

Making friends — sounds simple, right? Yet many incoming first-year students worry about finding connections that go beyond small talk. While academics play a central role in the college experience, building college friendships and new relationships, bonding with others, and having a sense of belonging are also important.

Surface-Level Conversations

Imagine this: It’s your first day of class, and you’re in a lecture hall with dozens of other students waiting for the professor to arrive. This could be a great time to strike up a conversation with the classmate next to you, but you hesitate. You assume they’d rather not be bothered, or you’re unsure what to say.

Here are some easy ways to start talking without too much pressure:

• Ask if it’s their first class, too.
• Comment on a shared experience, like adjusting to residence hall life or struggling with early mornings.

Then, as the semester progresses, focus on familiar faces or people you’ve already chatted with. Small talk is a great start, but it doesn’t always build lasting college friendships. So, when it feels natural, try asking them more about themselves and their interests.

Overcoming Busyness to Build Connections

Let’s say you’ve clicked with someone in class but haven’t hung out outside of it yet. The next step is inviting them somewhere, such as a club meeting, a campus café, or even a quick walk to your next class. Proximity and consistency are key to building familiarity, and with everyone’s busy schedules, some effort goes a long way. Starting with simple actions, like walking to your next class together or working on an assignment as a team, can feel less intimidating and natural.  

Campus Organizations and Shared Interests

Campus organizations and clubs are some of the best places to meet friends with similar interests. There’s a wide range of groups available at the Hub (a website listing student organizations and activities), so don’t hesitate to explore the options and join one that resonates with you. Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, letting your personality shine will help build those authentic college friendships. 

So, get beyond the small talk, take consistent steps to stay connected, and join some campus organizations. And next time you find yourself in a lecture hall or a club meeting, take a chance and start that conversation — you never know where it might lead.