5 Ways to Make Friends in Student Housing

Leaving home for college is a big transition. Packing up your life, saying goodbye to your childhood home, and moving to a new city or state is an exciting, yet nerve-wracking adventure. For many, this is their first time living away from home, sharing a room with another person (someone you’ve maybe never met), all while balancing schoolwork and a social life.

Even if your college is close to home, starting this new chapter and moving into student housing is a great time to broaden your horizons and grow your social circle. 

When you’re not busy hitting the books, spending time in common spaces is a great way to make friends. But for those who haven’t had to make new friends since kindergarten, you’re probably wondering where to start. To help ease the transition from living at home to life in a Greystar student housing community, here are a few tips on how to meet people in your apartment building.

 

Participate in Community Events

Greystar communities regularly plan activities and events to help residents meet others in their complex. Whether it’s a cocktail hour or game night, attending these community events is a great way to meet fellow students or neighbors. The more you attend, the more people you’ll meet! Before you know it, you could have a great group of friends living just down the hall. 

 

 

Introduce Yourself to Neighbors

Though it may seem strange to knock on a stranger’s door and ask to grab coffee, you never know who lives right next door! You just might find out your neighbors are great potential friends. At the very least, you’ll have a friendly face to say hello to in passing.

For example, The Oaks on the Square, located near the University of Connecticut’s campus, is a hub for students, so there’s a good chance your neighbors may be classmates too.

 

Spend Time in the Common Areas

The fitness center, pool, coworking lounge, and common room are all great places to spend your free time. Whether you’re studying, joining a group fitness class, or enjoying snacks and board games, these common areas provide the perfect opportunity to bump into your neighbors and strike up a conversation.

Maplewood Apartments, located near Cornell University, offers several places for residents to hangout. So grab your books and meet up with your neighbors in one of the common spaces for a quick study sesh! 

 

Start a Club

Organizing a club is a great way to bring people together to bond over a shared interest. Whether it’s a running club, book club, or political organization, all you need to do is decide on a theme, set a meeting date, and hang a few flyers advertising your club in the common spaces. 

Encourage members to spread the word and invite their friends. Soon enough, you’ll have a group of people that meet regularly to engage in a shared interest. At Syracuse University, the University Village Apartments on Colvin have an on-site movie theater, perfect for hosting a film club or movie night!

 

Be Yourself!

Though it may sound cliché, being your authentic self is the best way to attract the right people. Don’t worry about trying to fit in or forcing friendships with people you don’t relate to. Just be friendly and open with others about your interests to see what sticks. 

While it can be a little awkward making new friends at first, remind yourself that everyone is in the same situation you are and likely just as nervous. If you can find the confidence to strike up a conversation, they’ll likely be receptive. The best advice we can share is to put yourself out there, get involved, and take advantage of the spaces Greystar communities offer. 

 

Find Your Student Home and Forever Friends With Greystar

Whether you’re studying in a common room or attending an event in the lounge, our communities offer plenty of spaces and opportunities for students to meet new people. To make your college experience memorable, find your home away from home with Greystar’s student housing.



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