COLLEGE + COVID-19 = FRIENDSHIP ?
Lettu shares how future incoming freshmen can set themselves up to have a social life, even in the midst of a pandemic! (part 2)
Lettu shares how future incoming freshmen can set themselves up to have a social life, even in the midst of a pandemic! (part 2)
I think we can all agree that 2020 is the most real-life has mimicked a dramatic movie plot. One event that has forced you and me to be more analytical about our future plans is COVID-19. This pandemic has inspired the common social media slogans that you may have heard: “we may be physically apart, but socially we are still connected”. As an incoming college student, I initially had concerns about how I would “connect” with people I have never met, especially with the COVID-19 restrictions. In these passing months, through some trial and error, interviews with friends, and some personal experiences, I have gained several insights that will set you up to have an amazing social life at college…. even in a pandemic.
In a previous post, I shared tips on how you can meet incoming students and upperclassmen before you even arrive on campus. In this post, I want to share how you can connect with your peers after your arrival on campus.
After Arrival on Campus
Where to meet People:
Although Covid-19 seems strangely isolating, you may be surprised at how many places you can meet people! The great staring point would be through your Zoom or in-person classes. With each course you take, you become less of a stranger to about twenty students per class. At Carleton, since most freshmen take a minimum of three classes, you will meet around 60 students in your first week!
Sometimes class settings can be daunting, so another alternative place to meet people is having a campus job. In student job positions, you will consistently work with the same five to six people. Being in a small numbered group gives you a greater opportunity to interact and make more personal connections.
If you are still eager to meet more people, I would strongly encourage you to join clubs. Clubs are the best way to find people similar to you because it has a less formal setting. This will enable you to share who you are outside of an academic and work environment.
Lastly, if you are up for it, another option is to simply go to places where people are present. At Carleton, a few of these places are the Sayles Café, the dining halls, and the Arb. Even though social distance precautions will apply, being present in these environments lets you and others have the chance to see and interact with new faces.
How to connect with people:
Now that you know where to meet people, the next thing you need to know is how to connect with the people you meet. An excellent skill to have in a new environment is confidence. A little secret that goes a long way is remembering that it’s not only you who wants to make friends. It’s also everyone! People are as eager to meet you as you are to meet them.
I understand this advice is easier said than done, so I interviewed one of my most social friends, Amira Aladetan, in order to get some concrete advice.
“When you are getting ready to meet people, try to be in a positive headspace. This shows people that you are interested, and in return, it makes them more receptive to the conversation. As you start a conversation, begin by introducing yourself and then invite them to do the same. If you want to continue the conversation, ask the person about themselves, while also sharing about things yourself. Through the conversations you have, look for similarities and commonalities you share with the other person. If you want to further connect with the individual, feel free to exchange social media. This way, you or the other person have the ability to extend each other a follow up invitation to future events.”
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Meeting new people and creating friendships is what makes the college experience worth a while. I hope you find these tips insightful and helpful as you start curating your friendships!
This is Lettu Konshie and she is an incoming freshman at Carleton College. Lettu hopes to spend her freshman year getting to know her peers and exploring the town of Northfield! During her free time, she love to read and watch movies that explore new ideas, concepts, or lifestyles. Meet the other bloggers!