Starting college is exciting, but let’s be real—it can also feel overwhelming. You’re stepping into a new place, surrounded by new people, and somehow, you’re just supposed to find your people?
Good news: You don’t have to fake being an extrovert or force connections. Making friends at Siena happens naturally when you put yourself in the right situations. Here’s how to actually meet people and build real connections from day one.
1. Stop Overthinking It—Everyone’s in the Same Boat
No one walks onto campus already set with a solid friend group. Everyone is figuring it out, so don’t stress about making friendships happen overnight. Instead of putting pressure on yourself, focus on being around people consistently—friendships form when you see the same faces over and over.
Try This:
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Sit in the same spot in class each day and start casual convos.
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Say yes when someone invites you to grab food or go to an event.
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Join your dorm’s group chat (and actually engage, don’t just lurk).
2. Go Where the People Are (Without Being Weird About It)
You won’t make friends sitting in your dorm scrolling TikTok. Get out and be where conversations happen naturally.
Best Places to Meet People:
Clubs & Organizations – Even if it’s just for free snacks, show up.
Study Groups – A no-pressure way to meet people and pass your classes.
Dining Halls & Coffee Shops – Grab food with classmates instead of eating alone.
Campus Events – Anything from BINGO to comedy nights—just go.
The goal isn’t to force friendships but to create chances for casual interactions that can turn into real connections.
3. Small Talk Is Annoying, But It Works
Yeah, small talk can feel awkward, but it’s how real conversations start. Instead of overthinking, try these low-effort openers:
“Hey, have you figured out the best place to get coffee on campus?”
“I swear this professor is speaking another language. What notes do you have?”
“You live in [dorm name], right? How’s it been so far?”
People want to connect, but someone has to start the conversation. Might as well be you.
4. Your Roommate Isn’t Automatically Your Best Friend (And That’s Okay)
Some people click with their roommates instantly, but if that’s not you, don’t force it. It’s okay to have different social circles. If you do get along, great—build that connection by doing simple things together like:
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Grabbing food after class
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Watching a show in your dorm
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Inviting each other to campus events
If you’re not vibing? No stress. There are thousands of other people at Siena.
5. Social Media Is Your Friend (Use It Smartly)
Be sure to see if your school of interest has a first year student page, like this one. These exist for a reason—use them to find people with similar interests.
Pro Tip: If you meet someone in person and hit it off, follow them on Instagram or Snapchat. It makes staying connected way easier than waiting to run into them again.
6. Give It Time (Seriously, Don’t Panic in Week One)
The first week of college is a chaotic blur of faces and names. Some people might seem like they’ve already found their group, but trust—everyone is still figuring it out. Real friendships take time. Keep showing up, keep being open to new people, and your circle will build naturally.
The Bottom Line: Friendships Happen When You Show Up
You don’t need to be the most outgoing person on campus to make friends. Put yourself in situations where connections happen, start small conversations, and be patient. Your people are out there—you just have to give it time.
