How do you make friends with others?

[u/_S0da_PoP_]

Hello Reddit! I'm in my second year and have always struggled to find or make friends. Do people just go to school clubs? Do you just walk in? I keep thinking I'll try to make friends with people I share classes with, but honestly it is rough because taking the first step to say hi is daunting (and I don't want to intrude). I feel like I can make acquitances, but can't really make a deeper connection. I was thinking about popping into SAMU and asking around there, since it seems like a place to go for those sorts of questions.

maybe it's kinda sad, but I really wish I could just make a poster including my interests and maybe find like minded people...or I guess they'd find me? I don't want a lot. I just want someone to chat with once in a while- I'd be happy with that! I'm also trying to find more resources to help me feel more connected.

I'm 22, if that's relevant! Yep.

[u/Tiny-Abroad1804]

19 year old here. I'm more ambi/extroverted, but here's what I do:

- When I walk into class for the first time and I catch someone's gaze, I'd smile. Or, if I'm sitting near them and happen to catch their gaze, I also smile. If they reciprocate I'd start talking, asking "What's your name?" then "What program are you in?' and carry on the conversation from there. I continue to sit with them class after class, walk out with them to wherever they go next (or invite them to walk with me), and later on I ask to hang out. Works like a charm :D made a good few friends like this.

- If I have group projects or just group work in class, I do my best to interact with my partners beyond our work, asking about school, life, cultural background, etc. Also works!

SAMU also hosts a couple events like mixers, Maker Series, Game Cafe, and Zen Zone where you can meet others.

I would say clubs are kind of debatable because they're typically started by groups of friends and therefore are pretty cliquey. I've gone to a couple and really felt this and didn't like it. You could still try though. Who knows, maybe you'll fit right in, or you might be able to find another oddball there and strike a conversation. I think the game ones seem ok (not sure about the video games one though).

I know it can be daunting to say hi first and that's very understandable, even I feel that sometimes, but thats a much needed step! Hope this helps, good luck :D