5 Ways To Make New Friends (some might turn out to be snakes but that’s not on us)

We all know this for a fact that college is exciting and scary all at once. You have tons of freedom (not really), but you’re also in a new environment surrounded by hundreds of complete strangers. Making new friends requires a conscious effort, but it is something totally doable — provided you’re breaking out of your shyness shell.

Talk to people
I think that seems pretty obvious, right? So here is a thing: you can join a club, stay in school all day long, or even attend the MUN camp (PARADISE for those wishing to make new friends and aspiring to become public speakers) but you still won’t make friends if you don’t actually talk to people. No need to be too picky, you can talk to anybody. Talk to everyday.

Start a conversation
Once you find a person you’re interested in becoming friends with, you need to initiate a conversation with that person. This will actually help you connect to that person and you’ll start forming a friendship in no time. Giving compliments can do wonders:
“I like your tie pin” or “You look super cool in those burgundy hair”– it worked out for me!

Be open minded don’t judge

Sometimes you may have a preset notion of the kind of friend you want; maybe someone who is perceptible, listens, has the same hobbies, watches the same movies, TV shows etc. And then when you meet the person and realize that he/she differs from your expectations, you close yourself off. Don’t do that. Give the friendship a chance to blossom. More importantly, give yourself a chance with this budding friendship. I have several very good friends who come from totally different backgrounds, and I would never have thought that we would be so close when I first knew them, simply because we are so different.

Treat everyone with respect and be courteous

Having good manners goes a long way. You can start talking to people with a “Good morning, How are you?” or simply go on saying: “Assalam-o- Allaikum” to all your seniors at LACAS; particularly those who’re wearing robes and are all set to catch up their train to HOGWARTS. Make sure you’re kind and courteous to everyone who deserves it! Open and hold the door for others, show warmth, love and respect, towards everyone you meet. Do things because you want to and not because you want to. Care for them like you would yourself. If you approach others with genuinely, you will attract people who want to connect genuinely. Among them will be your future true friends.