Part 1 in our 6-part series on “How to Manage Stress as a College Student”

Read (Part 2 here) (Part 3 here) (Part 4 here) (Part 5 here) (Part 6 here)

Feeling Stressed?

College can be an exciting time, full of new experiences and opportunities. But it can also be stressful, with the pressure to succeed academically, fit in socially, and navigate the challenges of young adulthood. One way to manage stress and boost well-being is by building and maintaining social connections. Here, we explore the importance of social connections for college students and offer practical tips for building a support network.

Many college students struggle with stress and anxiety. The pressure to perform well academically, balance a busy schedule, and navigate new social situations can be overwhelming. Add in the challenges of being away from home, managing finances, and dealing with personal issues, and it’s no wonder that college students are at risk for stress-related problems.

But there is hope. Research shows that social connections are a powerful tool for managing stress and boosting well-being. By building a support network of friends, family, and mentors, college students can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, increase resilience, and improve their overall mental health.

Here, we explore practical tips for building and maintaining social connections as a college student. From joining clubs and organizations to volunteering in the community, we’ll offer actionable advice and suggestions on what to say for creating a support network that can help you thrive during your college years.

 

Strategy #1: Join clubs or organizations on campus that align with your interests

One way to build social connections as a college student is by joining clubs or organizations on campus that align with your interests. Whether you’re passionate about sports, music, politics, or community service, there’s likely a group on campus that shares your interests. Joining a club or organization can help you meet like-minded people, build friendships, and feel more connected to your campus community.

Here are some tips for joining clubs or organizations:

• Explore the options available. You can find out about the clubs or organizations on campus by visiting the campus website, newsletter, bulletin board, or student center. You can also attend club fairs or events where different groups showcase their activities and recruit new members. You can say something like “Hi, I’m (name). What is your club about?” or “Hey, I’m (name). How can I join your organization?” or “Hello, I’m (name). What do you do in your group?”
• Choose one or more that suit your interests and goals. You don’t have to limit yourself to one club or organization. You can join as many as you want, as long as you can balance your time and commitments. However, don’t join a club or organization just because it’s popular or prestigious. Choose one or more that suit your interests and goals. You can say something like “I’m interested in joining your club because I love (interest)” or “I want to join your organization because I want to (goal)” or “I think your group is a good fit for me because I (reason)”
• Attend meetings and events regularly. Once you join a club or organization, make sure to attend meetings and events regularly. This will help you get to know the members, learn more about the group’s mission and activities, and contribute to its success. You can say something like “Hi, I’m (name). I’m new here” or “Hey, I’m (name). How are you today?” or “Hello, I’m (name). What are we doing today?”

 

Strategy #2: Attend campus events and activities to meet new people

A great way to make friends and have fun is by attending campus events and activities. There are always lots of things going on, from music and comedy shows to guest speakers and cultural festivals. You can meet people who share your interests, learn new things, and feel more connected to your school.

Here are some tips for getting started:

• Look for events that appeal to you. You can find them on the campus website, newsletter, social media, or flyers. Pick something that sounds fun or interesting, or try something you’ve never done before.
• Bring a buddy or go by yourself. Either way, be friendly and approachable. Smile, make eye contact, and introduce yourself to others. You can say something like “Hi, I’m (name). What brought you here?” or “Hey, I’m (name). Are you enjoying the event?”
• Ask open-ended questions and listen actively. Show genuine interest in what others have to say. You can ask questions like “What are you studying?” or “What are some of your hobbies?” or “What did you think of the speaker?” or “Have you been to any other events like this?”
• Exchange contact information and follow up. If you hit it off with someone, ask for their phone number, email, or social media handle. You can say something like “It was nice meeting you. Can I get your number?” or “Do you have Instagram? I’d love to keep in touch.” Then, reach out to them later and invite them to another event or activity. You can say something like “Hey, I had a great time talking to you at the event. Do you want to check out this other thing happening next week?” or “Hi, I really enjoyed hanging out with you. Are you free this weekend? Maybe we can grab coffee or something.”

 

Strategy #3: Participate in class and engage with classmates and professors

One of the best ways to build social connections in college is by participating in class and engaging with classmates and professors. By doing so, you can improve your academic performance, gain valuable feedback, and form relationships that can last beyond the semester.

Here are some tips for doing so:

• Be prepared and attentive. Do your readings, assignments, and homework before class. Pay attention to what’s being taught and discussed. Take notes, ask questions, and share your opinions. You can say something like “I have a question about this concept” or “I agree with what you said, but I also think that…” or “I found this article that relates to what we’re learning.”
• Join or start a study group. Working with classmates on coursework can help you learn better, stay motivated, and make friends. You can join an existing study group or start your own. You can say something like “Do you want to study together for the exam?” or “I’m thinking of forming a study group for this class. Are you interested?”
• Connect with your professors. Your professors are not only experts in their fields, but also potential mentors and references. They can offer guidance, advice, and opportunities for your academic and professional growth. You can connect with them by attending their office hours, emailing them, or joining their research projects. You can say something like “I really enjoyed your lecture today. Can I talk to you more about it during your office hours?” or “I’m interested in your research topic. Do you have any openings for student assistants?” or “Thank you for your feedback on my paper. Do you have any suggestions for further reading?”

 

Strategy #4: Volunteer in the community or on campus

Volunteering is a great way to give back, learn new skills, and make friends. By donating your time and talents to a cause you care about, you can make a positive impact on your community and campus. You can also meet people who share your values and passions.

Here are some tips for getting started:

• Find volunteer opportunities that interest you. You can look for them on the campus website, newsletter, social media, or flyers. You can also search online for local organizations that need volunteers. Pick something that aligns with your skills, interests, or values.
• Sign up and show up. Once you find a volunteer opportunity that appeals to you, sign up for it. Follow the instructions, fill out the forms, and attend the orientation or training if required. Then, show up on time and ready to help. You can say something like “Hi, I’m (name). I’m here to volunteer” or “Hello, I’m (name). What can I do to help?”
• Be friendly and approachable. Smile, make eye contact, and introduce yourself to others. You can say something like “Hi, I’m (name). What brought you here?” or “Hey, I’m (name). Are you enjoying volunteering?” Ask open-ended questions and listen actively. Show genuine interest in what others have to say.
• Exchange contact information and follow up. If you hit it off with someone, ask for their phone number, email, or social media handle. You can say something like “It was nice meeting you. Can I get your number?” or “Do you have Instagram? I’d love to keep in touch.” Then, reach out to them later and invite them to another volunteer event or activity. You can say something like “Hey, I had a great time volunteering with you. Do you want to check out this other thing happening next week?” or “Hi, I really enjoyed working with you. Are you free this weekend? Maybe we can do something together.”

 

Strategy #5: Stay in touch with friends and family from home

While it’s important to make new friends in college, it’s also important to stay connected with your friends and family from home. They can provide emotional support, advice, and a sense of stability during times of stress. Plus, keeping in touch with them can help you feel less homesick and more grounded.

Here are some tips for staying in touch:

• Schedule regular calls or video chats. Set aside time each week or month to catch up with your loved ones. You can use phone calls, video chats, or messaging apps to stay connected. You can say something like “Hi, how are you? I miss you” or “Hey, what’s new with you? Tell me everything” or “Hello, how’s everything going? I have so much to tell you.”
• Send letters, cards, or care packages. Snail mail may seem old-fashioned, but it can be a fun and meaningful way to stay in touch. You can write letters, send cards, or put together care packages for your friends and family. You can say something like “Dear (name), I hope this letter finds you well” or “Hi (name), I saw this and thought of you” or “Hello (name), I miss you and wanted to send you something special.”
• Share photos and updates on social media. Social media can be a quick and easy way to stay connected with your loved ones. You can share photos, updates, or stories about your life in college. You can also comment on their posts, like their photos, or send them private messages. You can say something like “Look at this cool thing I did today” or “I had so much fun at this event” or “I’m thinking of you and wanted to say hi.”
• Plan visits or trips together. If possible, plan visits or trips with your friends and family from home. You can invite them to come to your campus, go back home for a break, or meet somewhere in between. You can say something like “Do you want to come visit me on campus?” or “I’m coming home for Thanksgiving. Can we hang out?” or “Let’s plan a trip together during winter break.” Spending time together in person can help strengthen your relationships and create new memories.

 

Strategy #6: Find a study group or form one with classmates to help each other with coursework and build connections

Studying with classmates can help you improve your grades, stay motivated, and make friends. By forming or joining a study group, you can benefit from the collective knowledge, feedback, and support of your peers. You can also form relationships based on mutual goals and interests.

Here are some tips for finding or forming a study group:

• Look for classmates who are serious about studying. You want to find people who are committed, reliable, and respectful. You can look for them in class, online forums, or social media groups. You can say something like “Hi, I’m (name). I’m looking for a study group for this class. Are you interested?” or “Hey, I’m (name). I noticed you’re doing well in this class. Do you want to study together?”
• Set a time, place, and agenda for each session. Once you have your study group members, decide on a time, place, and agenda for each session. You can use online tools like Google Calendar, Doodle, or Zoom to coordinate your schedules and meetings. You can say something like “When are you free to study?” or “Where do you want to meet?” or “What do you want to cover in this session?”
• Be prepared and participatory. Before each session, do your readings, assignments, and homework. Bring your notes, questions, and materials. During each session, be active and engaged. Share your ideas, ask for help, offer feedback, and encourage others. You can say something like “I have a question about this concept” or “I can explain this to you” or “That’s a great point” or “You’re doing great.”

 

Strategy #7: Consider getting a part-time job on or off campus to meet new people and expand your social circle

Getting a part-time job can be a great way to earn some money, gain some experience, and make some friends. By working on or off campus, you can meet new people who share your work environment, goals, and challenges. You can also develop teamwork skills that will serve you well in the future.

Here are some tips for getting a part-time job:

• Look for job opportunities that suit your skills, interests, and schedule. You can look for them on the campus website, newsletter, bulletin board, or career center. You can also search online for local businesses that hire students. Pick something that you enjoy or want to learn more about.
• Apply and prepare for the interview. Once you find a job opportunity that appeals to you, apply for it. Follow the instructions, fill out the forms, and submit your resume and cover letter. Then, prepare for the interview. Research the employer, practice your answers, and dress professionally. You can say something like “Hi, I’m (name). I’m applying for the (position) at your (business)” or “Hello, I’m (name). I’m here for the interview” or “Thank you for this opportunity. I’m very interested in working for you.”
• Be friendly and approachable. Once you get the job, be friendly and approachable to your co-workers, supervisors, and customers. Smile, make eye contact, and introduce yourself to others. You can say something like “Hi, I’m (name). I’m new here” or “Hey, I’m (name). How are you today?” or “Hello, I’m (name). How can I help you?” Ask questions and listen actively. Show genuine interest in what others have to say.
• Exchange contact information and follow up. If you hit it off with someone, ask for their phone number, email, or social media handle. You can say something like “It was nice meeting you. Can I get your number?” or “Do you have Instagram? I’d love to keep in touch.” Then, reach out to them later and invite them to hang out outside of work. You can say something like “Hey, I had a great time working with you. Do you want to grab a bite after work?” or “Hi, I really enjoyed talking to you. Are you free this weekend? Maybe we can catch a movie or something.”

 

From Stressed to Supported

Building and maintaining social connections is an important part of managing stress as a college student. By following the strategies outlined here, you can create a support network that will help you thrive during your college years. But remember, building social connections is not a one-time event. It requires ongoing effort and communication. So, don’t forget to exchange contact information and follow up with the people you meet. Whether it’s through phone calls, messages, or hangouts, staying in touch with your friends and family can make a big difference in your well-being.

Now it’s your turn. What steps will you take to build and maintain social connections as a college student? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation.

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