Building a Supportive Study (And Friend) Group: A Freshman's Guide

So, you want to make friends?

STUDY GROUP:

Building a supportive study group can greatly enhance your academic experience as a freshman!

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create and maintain an effective study group:

Identify Potential Group Members:

• Talk to those who sit near you! These will most likely turn into your acquaintances, if not friends, over the course of the semester. 

• Reach out to classmates with similar academic goals and interests to see if they’d like to exchange contact info in order to possibly get together to study.

Define Goals and Expectations:

• Articulate the group's purpose and goals, whether it's collaborative learning, exam preparation, or understanding specific course concepts. Be sure to discuss expectations regarding attendance, participation, and the level of commitment. 

Establish Communication Channels:

• Set up a communication platform, such as a group chat or messaging app, for easy coordination and information sharing.

• If you’d prefer not to exchange phone numbers there are always communication apps that work for group chats. My study groups have used “GroupMe” before and it worked effectively for everyone.

The "GroupMe" app offers communication channels for anyone with the app from work chats to study groups to family overseas.

Schedule Regular Meetings:

• Determine a regular meeting schedule that accommodates everyone's availability. Find a reasonable time and location that fits for everyone to meet up and get together for work. Consider both on-campus and off-campus spaces, if need be to accommodate everyone in the group.

Assign Roles and Responsibilities:

• Define specific roles within the group, such as a facilitator, timekeeper, note-taker, etc, if need be.

• Rotate these roles to ensure everyone has a chance to contribute in various ways.

Encourage Active Participation:

• Create an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing.

• Encourage active participation by asking questions, sharing insights, and seeking clarification.

Celebrate Achievements:

• Acknowledge and celebrate individual and group achievements! Positive reinforcement builds motivation. So don't be shy to compliment your peers for their strengths!

Adapt and Communicate:

• Be open to feedback and adapt the group dynamics based on the evolving needs of its members. It’s easy to clash ideas and opinions at times, so maintain clear communication channels for updates, changes, or additional resources.

By following these steps, you can create a study group that not only enhances your academic performance but also provides support throughout your freshman year and beyond!

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MAKING FRIENDS :

Making friends during your freshman year of college can be an exciting and rewarding experience, however it can also be scary and intimidating. Like mentioned in a previous blog post, here are some tips to help you build meaningful connections:

Attend Orientation Events:

• Take advantage of orientation activities organized by the college to meet fellow freshmen. Be sure to attend welcome sessions, icebreaker activities, and social events.

• I met a girl at my freshman orientation and we’ve been close friends for 4 years now! Talk about a day one bestie.

Join Clubs and Organizations:

• Explore clubs, sports teams, or organizations that align with your interests. Participation in group activities provides natural opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. Clubs in college hold many benefits within joining them.

• I joined a club and learned to love it so much I became the President of the club with a goal to grow our numbers and share my passion with other students to help them find a place on campus.

Introduce Yourself:

• Be proactive in introducing yourself to classmates, roommates, and people in your dorm. 

• Small talk about classes, majors, or common interests can be a great icebreaker!

Attend Social Events:

• Attend social events, mixers, and parties organized by the college or student groups! These gatherings provide informal settings to meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere.

Utilize Common Areas:

• Spend time in common areas such as the student lounge, cafeteria, or recreational spaces.

• These places offer opportunities for spontaneous interactions. I’ve had peers walk up to me to make small talk or give a compliment which sparked great friendships. Don’t be shy to give a stranger a compliment!

Be Open-Minded:

• Approach social situations with an open mind and a willingness to connect with a diverse range of people! College is all about learning and having new experiences.

• Embrace the chance to learn from others with different backgrounds and perspectives.

Attend Freshman Events:

• Many colleges organize specific events for freshmen to help them connect.

• Attend these events to meet other students who are also eager to make new friends.

Be Approachable:

• Be sure to smile and maintain open body language. A friendly demeanor makes it easier for others to initiate conversations with you!

Volunteer or Get Involved in Community Service:

• Participate in volunteer activities or community service projects.

• Working together on meaningful projects can foster strong bonds and connections.

Be Patient and Persistent:

• Building friendships takes time, so be patient! A best friend isn’t made in 5 minutes.

• Don't get discouraged if you don't make close friends immediately; keep putting yourself in social situations!
  

Remember that many of your fellow freshmen are also looking to make new friends, so be genuine, be yourself, and enjoy the process of forming connections during this exciting chapter of your life!