Forming Relationships in College
By Ashley Oiler
October 14, 2023
Image Credit: Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
Forming relationships in college can be very daunting. Most people say to get involved, but sometimes that is easier said than done.
There are many different ways to make friends in college, and three University of Maryland students offered up their experiences and advice about making friends and forming relationships.
Senior marketing major, Daniel Greigg, and President of the UMD Club Swim, spoke about how joining a club sport was his favorite way to meet new people. “On a club sports team, you will already have something in common with everyone there— your passion for the sport. My love for swimming has helped me connect with countless people during my time at UMD,” said Greigg.
Club sports may seem scary for some, but this university has one for almost everyone, from pickleball to lacrosse, plus plenty of intramural sports that are less intensive. Activities like these give people something to talk about and have something in common even before they know each other. If someone shows up consistently to practices, the higher the chances of people of all years and majors recognizing them.
Another experience that is relatable for many at this university is being a transfer student.
Sophomore psychology major, Kendall Sullivan, transferred this year and moved directly into the Delta Gamma sorority house. She has found that Greek life helped her during her transfer process because it gave her an instant group of friends.
“It’s super easy to meet people that you’re always around eating and living with…but the hardest part has been meeting people outside of DG since I’m still figuring out what clubs and organizations I want to get involved in,” said Sullivan.
Greek life is also a good place to meet people, both in professional and social settings. For sororities, there are informal fall rush processes offered for specific chapters. Sophomores, juniors and seniors can all take part in these. There is also a formal recruitment period in the spring. Registration for spring recruitment opened on Oct. 1, according to the UMD Panhellenic Association.
Both professional Greek fraternities and social Greek fraternities have fall and spring rush during the school year, so students have ample opportunity to get involved.
Events like the First Look Fair help students find places to get involved, but another online resource is TerpLink, which has lists and events for every organization on campus.
Freshman business major, Anna Steinebrunner shared her experience making friends this past month. She said the hardest part of starting school was creating a new routine with people she just met. She has found that talking to people whenever she can, including in the dorms, classes or any time she is in her common room has helped her make the most friends.
Steinebrunner advises other freshmen in her situation to “take what you liked to do in high school or outside of school and find things that relate to that. UMD has literally something for everyone.”
There are places to find friends all around campus, from club sports to Greek life to even just people in your major. Take the time to research a new club, join an organization’s group chat or talk to the people around you; you might just find your best friends.
There are many different ways to make friends in college, and three University of Maryland students offered up their experiences and advice about making friends and forming relationships.
Senior marketing major, Daniel Greigg, and President of the UMD Club Swim, spoke about how joining a club sport was his favorite way to meet new people. “On a club sports team, you will already have something in common with everyone there— your passion for the sport. My love for swimming has helped me connect with countless people during my time at UMD,” said Greigg.
Club sports may seem scary for some, but this university has one for almost everyone, from pickleball to lacrosse, plus plenty of intramural sports that are less intensive. Activities like these give people something to talk about and have something in common even before they know each other. If someone shows up consistently to practices, the higher the chances of people of all years and majors recognizing them.
Another experience that is relatable for many at this university is being a transfer student.
Sophomore psychology major, Kendall Sullivan, transferred this year and moved directly into the Delta Gamma sorority house. She has found that Greek life helped her during her transfer process because it gave her an instant group of friends.
“It’s super easy to meet people that you’re always around eating and living with…but the hardest part has been meeting people outside of DG since I’m still figuring out what clubs and organizations I want to get involved in,” said Sullivan.
Greek life is also a good place to meet people, both in professional and social settings. For sororities, there are informal fall rush processes offered for specific chapters. Sophomores, juniors and seniors can all take part in these. There is also a formal recruitment period in the spring. Registration for spring recruitment opened on Oct. 1, according to the UMD Panhellenic Association.
Both professional Greek fraternities and social Greek fraternities have fall and spring rush during the school year, so students have ample opportunity to get involved.
Events like the First Look Fair help students find places to get involved, but another online resource is TerpLink, which has lists and events for every organization on campus.
Freshman business major, Anna Steinebrunner shared her experience making friends this past month. She said the hardest part of starting school was creating a new routine with people she just met. She has found that talking to people whenever she can, including in the dorms, classes or any time she is in her common room has helped her make the most friends.
Steinebrunner advises other freshmen in her situation to “take what you liked to do in high school or outside of school and find things that relate to that. UMD has literally something for everyone.”
There are places to find friends all around campus, from club sports to Greek life to even just people in your major. Take the time to research a new club, join an organization’s group chat or talk to the people around you; you might just find your best friends.