College + Covid-19= Friendship ?

          I think we can all agree that 2020 is the most that 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.

Before Arrival on Campus

If you are currently a senior in high school, in a short time you will receive your college acceptance letters, and in advance: congratulations, you did it! As you are narrowing down your search, there are several ways for you to get a feel for the incoming and upperclassmen students that will be attending your choice campus in the fall.

1. Maximizing your Social Media usage:

If you are an Instagram or Facebook user, learning how to use your platform can allow you to meet incoming students just like you! “How?” you might say. Well, the first thing you need to do is find your class’ social media page. Colleges and Universities always make a Facebook or Instagram page for their committed or accepted students. By following these pages, you have the chance to meet and interact with your peers through introductory posts.

If you feel comfortable, I want to encourage you to make an introductory post. For an introductory post, you would simply dm or private message the school’s class page a picture of yourself and a short paragraph about your interest and hobbies. Then, at the end of your paragraph, make sure to include other social media platforms in case a class member wants to further connect with you. If this concept seems odd, have the assurance that most incoming students share an introductory post, so it’s completely normal!

2. Joining and Creating Group Chats

If making an introductory post isn’t appealing to you, no worries! Another alternative to meeting people is joining your class’s group chat, which can be found on the school’s Instagram or Facebook page. Personally, I did not join my class’s group chat, however, a Mariam Zewdu, a friend I had the chance to interview, was open to share her take on the group chat world.

Joining a group chat is an amazing alternative because it’s less formal and you get the chance to have conversations with your future classmates. Topics in group chats have a broad range, so when topics of your interests come up, add your two cents!

As the school year approaches, you will have met a diverse range of students who share similar interests, backgrounds, or simple commonalities with you. As you come across these people, feel free to reach out to them directly! You can also create separate group chats for people who share commonalities with you. These commonalities can range from having similar career pursuits, dorm housing, hobbies, or coming from the same state.

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College can seem like a daunting experience, but getting to know a few people before stepping on campus does help college relieve some anxiety. If you found this blog helpful, be on the lookout for part two.

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!