After two years of social isolation, it can be tough to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. However, part of the college experience is meeting new people. Here are a few tips in order to make socializing on campus a little easier.

Join a campus organization

Whether it be joining a club or taking a dance class at the student recreation center, a sure fire way to make friends and meet new people is by getting involved in campus activities and organizations. UCR offers intramural sports, dancing classes, cooking classes, honors societies, fraternities, sororities, and over five hundred different clubs for students to involve themselves with, all of which can be found on the Highlander Link. By participating in these organizations, not only will you meet new people, but it is more likely that they will be interested in the same things as you. 

Talk to people in your hall

For those living on campus, the perfect place to find your forever friends is your hall lounge. Chances are, there are always people hanging out there, especially if you live in AI (Aberdeen Inverse) where the social atmosphere is booming. The dorms’ social atmosphere makes them one of the most accessible places to make friends and meet new people. So once you finish all your homework, grab a deck of cards and chill in your hall lounge. You will most definitely find someone to hang out with. After all, your first friend can be your ticket to a friend group. 

Compliment random people

If you see someone walking around campus wearing the most fabulous outfit you have ever seen, don’t be afraid to say something. Complimenting someone’s outfit is the first step to getting an Instagram follow. Not only will you have met a new person, but you also most likely will have made someone’s day. 

Talk to people in your classes

If you are on campus, you are more than likely taking at least one in-person class, so you might as well talk to the people in your classes. Make small talk with the person sitting next to you, then the one behind you, and so on. Not only will you have met new people, but you might also have created a little study group. On that note, don’t be afraid to join the GroupMe and Discord chats for your classes to meet new people and for general help. 

Explore the new Dundee

In between the two Dundee buildings is a wonderful place to hang out and meet new people.​ There are three fire pits that are usually surrounded by students. Don’t be afraid to walk up to groups and ask to hang out with them. Chances are, they will say “yes” and you will meet some wonderful people over a two-hour game of truth (based on a true story). If you’re looking for a quieter area, Dundee also has plenty of hammocks you can hang out on with your new friends you made at the fire pits. 

Engage in UCR nightlife

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the UCR campus is buzzing with people looking for new friends. Whether it be taking a midnight walk to visit Scotty the bear at the belltower or riding skateboards down a hill, the campus is buzzing with people who you can befriend.   

Do not be afraid to put yourself out there! Being integrated into UCR campus culture is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong connections!