Making new friends at college

conceived in fire · 08-25-2007, 08:49 PM

I'm pretty anxious about meeting new friends now that I've moved to college - a new city and almost nobody I know as more than an acquaintance.

I know that I'm funny, smart, and pretty creative, but by nature I'm pretty reserved, quiet, and by some accounts "boring". It takes everything in me to go up to someone I don't know and introduce myself. And not being in any sports here even aggravates the worries. (Let's not even get started on meeting girls, which I'm thinking about now that I'm in college)

Any prayer and advice is certainly welcome.

Mission:Africa · 08-25-2007, 09:35 PM

what I found rewarding was to pray; pray about who I meet, who might cross my path that day, pray that God would direct my steps to those who He wants me to meet and build a friendship with...and believe it or not, it worked. Give it a go - God is good. Praying for ya.
In His Grip,
Mission:Africa

rocker_chick · 08-30-2007, 10:15 PM

Build your self confidence. I know you. Your a great person you just have to start believing it. There is no reason why someone would not want to be your friend!!!

conceived in fire · 11-07-2007, 10:19 AM

I'd really appreciate some more prayer on this, I've met tons of people here but none that are really friends at all.
Hopefully it doesn't take as long as it did in my hometown to make a decent number of friends.

**RK_lover** · 11-07-2007, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by conceived in fire

I'd really appreciate some more prayer on this, I've met tons of people here but none that are really friends at all.
Hopefully it doesn't take as long as it did in my hometown to make a decent number of friends.

I also just started college, and didn't know anyone besides my sister.....and I was naturally shy, so it was hard to just start talking to people. What I found is that if you just make small talk with people you sit near about the class, sports, music etc they usually will be receptive! It's hard to take a leap and talk to a total stranger, but almost everyone is willing to talk about something! And then, since you probably see the same people almost every day, if you just keep talking to a lot of people, eventually there will be at least a few who you "click" with, and might consider hanging out with outside of class.
That's just my two cents....maybe it will help!
And I'll pray for you as well.

tigerfan88 · 11-08-2007, 12:48 AM

I think it's all about baby steps. You really can't rush anything. I've learned this first hand as someone who didn't know anyone at college. You can imagine how awkward it was when I first started going. But over time, I got to know at least one person in each class. It started off with a little somewhat awkward talk between strangers, but progressed into more friendly talk. I don't know if these people are going to be friends that "stick", but they're at least people with which I can communicate while in class.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that you really shouldn't worry too heavily about making friends. I think you just need to focus on getting to know people in class and then seeing if that naturally progresses into friendship. But, of course, I'll be praying for you that you find some good friends.

JesusFreakGirl · 11-09-2007, 03:58 PM

i'm a freshman and just started college in August, and i have the same problem. i haven't really been able to make friends... unless a couple of my professors count as friends... But I know what it's like, and you'll have my prayers... it's hard sometimes being kinda lonely.

SccHarpGirl · 11-14-2007, 11:32 AM

Hey,

true friends are hard to come by. I don't think it's at all unusual to have a lot of acquaintances and only a few close friends. I know my first year at college I felt similarly - that I had a lot of casual friends but no "close" friends. It was february before I met people I really "clicked" with and I didn't meet the people who are now my closest friends until my sophomore year.

But nevertheless it's lonely and frustrating at times for sure. I guess don't be afraid to talk to people you don't really know - in class, in clubs, in your caf, whatever. Friendships can't be forced. Looking to be someone's friend because you want a friend is the wrong way to go about it. Meet people you find interesting and focus on getting to know them. Don't worry about being an "interesting" or exciting person. Really what people most want in a friend is someone who treats them well and is a good listener and a caring person.

I don't know if that made any sense and I realize this isn't advice. Know that I'm praying for you and I hope things work out at college

noelle