Our COVID-19 world has been challenging, and being college students with expectations of what we wanted our college experience and friendships to look like can make it harder sometimes. But that doesn\u2019t mean we should keep ourselves from experiencing what we can, even if that means it\u2019s in a virtual space. We can still build new and existing friendships online. Here\u2019s how we suggest getting started.<\/p>\n
We know it can be scary to put yourself out there, especially when we don\u2019t know what happens after. But we\u2019re encouraging you to do it anyways! You\u2019ll be surprised how often it really does work out. Try contacting a club or organization on \u2019Cuse Activities<\/a>. You can start by reaching out and asking questions. Or find out how people with similar interests are meeting up online. Are they streaming on Twitch, like the Barnes Center esports community<\/a>? Is there a Discord you can join? Can you follow the Orange community on social media<\/a>? Just start looking! You\u2019ll find your group sooner than you think.<\/p>\n College is for trying new things and nurturing our identities right? So let\u2019s be open to new experiences and possibilities! Join a conversation group, like SoulTalk<\/a> or C.A.R.E.<\/a>, that can help get you out of your comfort zone and learn others perspectives. Explore ways to serve our Greater Syracuse community with the Office of Engagement Programs<\/a> or the Shaw Center<\/a>. Find something new and just do it! Even if it\u2019s not something you want to continue doing, you\u2019re sure to meet someone new and build a lasting connection.<\/p>\n This might seem obvious, but we\u2019ve got to say it. Introduce yourself to your classmates and maybe even start a group chat! Chances are you’ll be in similar classes in the future, so try not to view them as just potential group partners\u2014unless they’re THAT group partner. We\u2019re not saying you need to be best friends. We\u2019re saying it\u2019s pretty likely that they\u2019re feeling lonely, too. So let\u2019s reach out and support each other.<\/p>\n Even if you’re graduating in May, you can make new and lasting connections. Tell that person in your class you’ve always thought was cool how much you’ve enjoyed getting to grow with them. Invite your neighbors for a socially distanced walk in the park or pick a night to check in with each other from your porches. Do something you always wanted to, but never got the chance to. You\u2019re never going to regret trying! We promise.<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to imagine sometimes, but COVID-19 won\u2019t last forever. We\u2019re hopeful, and once it\u2019s safe, catch us making friends in the real world by getting our study group together in Panasci, playing Frisbee on the quad and finding our new place to belong.<\/p>\n2. Be Open to New Experiences<\/h2>\n
3. Get to Know your Classmates<\/h2>\n
4. Know It\u2019s Never Too Late<\/h2>\n