Starting college is an exciting and transformative experience, but it can also come with challenges when it comes to making new friendships and finding a sense of belonging. The encouragement and support you provide to your student while they navigate the complexities of making meaningful connections at college is essential. Feeling connected to a community not only enhances your student’s college experience, but also supports their academic success, mental health, and overall well-being.
Here are some ways you can gently encourage you student to build friendships and community at Carolina
Remind your student that friendships take time
It is common for students to worry that everyone else has “already found their group”. Reassure them that meaningful friendships often develop slowly overtime. You can:
- Remind them that friendships can form in many places such as in class, at campus jobs, in the dining hall, or doing shared activities.
- Help them focus on the quality of their connections rather than the quantity.
- Encourage them to stay open to new experiences, even if it feels uncomfortable at first or they haven’t seen success yet.
Encourage involvement in campus opportunities
Getting involved at Carolina is one of the most effective ways for students to meet people with shared interests. Carolina offers hundreds of opportunities to connect with others and bond over any interest they have. You can encourage your student to:
- Attend campus events that align with their interests, even if they don’t have anyone to go with.
- Explore student organizations, intramural sports, and volunteer opportunities. Check out a list of Carolina student organizations on Heel Life: https://heellife.unc.edu/
- Try something new. Even attending one event or one meeting can open the door to new connections
Support everyday connection and small steps
It is easy for students to feel that making friends at a big university requires an extremely outgoing personality or effort. It is important to remind them that friendships can grow from simple, everyday interactions that start as something small. You can encourage them to:
- Introduce themselves to a classmate and suggest studying together
- Spend more time in shared spaces such as libraries, lounges, or dining halls
- Follow up with people they have met by inviting them to grab a coffee or attend an event
- Stay connected with existing friends while also remaining open to new relationships
Remain supportive, reassuring, and non-judgmental
Your student may not always share their social experiences openly, but your support will make a big difference. You can:
- Ask open-ended questions like, “who have you enjoyed spending time with lately?”
- Listen without judgement or immediately trying to solve the problem.
- Show support when they open-up about both the good and bad aspects of their social life
Takeaways
Building friendships and finding a community in Carolina is an important part of your student’s college journey. These connections help students feel supported, confident, and engaged both inside and outside the classroom. By encouraging involvement, normalizing the time it takes to form friendships, and offering ongoing emotional support, you can help your student create meaningful connections and a strong sense of belonging at Carolina.