How to Make Friends at WSU

Leaving your childhood home for college is an exciting and important milestone. It's something we've all been looking forward too since we where little. Freshman year of college feels like a new start. Somewhere you can really start to figure out who you are.

But what a lot of us never considered is just how scary and lonely an experience it can be. You're not alone! Most freshmen feel exactly the same way and you just have to bridge that gap and make a connection.One of the best parts of college is making great friends—my closest friendships began at Washington State University. Putting yourself out there can be hard, trust me I've been there too. So here's 9 tips for freshman Cougs on how to make friends during welcome week and throughout the year.

Tip #1 - Introduce yourself to everyone on your floor

If you let it, the dorms can facilitate a lot of great relationships. You'll find that almost everyone is in the same situation as you and are trying to make friends. Grab your roommate and introduce yourselves to everyone on your floor, and be sure to share your room number so they can stop by later. Connecting with your floormates goes a long way to making your dorm feel like home. College life is busy, so having friends just down the hall is a lifesaver when you need to relax after a tough assignment.

Tip #2 - Leave your door open

You will hear this tip a lot but trust me, it really works! Propping your dorm room door open makes it easy for people to stop by and say hello or ask what you're working on. Something about an open door is just so inviting! This is a great way to meet people on your floor if introducing yourself to everyone feels a bit outside your comfort zone.

Tip #3 - Hang out in common areas

Every dorm has common areas and they make for some of the best hangout spots on campus. My dorm, Gannon-Goldsworthy, had a cozy nook on each floor that was ideal for homework or picking up the countless card games I'd never heard of. Hell we'd hook up a console and have a Mario kart tournaments. There's always something going in the lounges so they make a great gathering place.

Tip #4 - Go to the welcome week events

As a freshman, I honestly didn’t want to go to the WSU freshman events—they seemed cringy and try-hard, and honestly, they were! But I went anyway, and found everyone was bonding over how awkward it all was. It’s easy to chat with someone next to you when you’re both cringing together. I’m still close with friends I met at those events, so they’re definitely worth a try. Most people at these events are just looking to make friends too.

Tip #5 - Join a club

WSU offers plenty of clubs—not just academic ones, though you'll find a group for every major too. I recommend joining a club related to your field, as experienced members can be a great resource for your classes. Of course, there are also plenty of just-for-fun clubs, like:

Butches Baking Club 

Aerial Dance Society 

WSU Esports and Gaming Community

Tip #6 - Sit with someone new in the dining hall

The dining hall is a great place to meet new people. If you spot someone eating alone, join them—you might make a new friend, and it’s better than eating by yourself. Not sure how to start a conversation? Ask about what’s in their lunch!

Tip # 7 - Get out of your comfort zone and try to meet new people

It's natural to gravitate toward familiar faces from high school when starting at WSU, but meeting new people is the best way to make lasting friends. WSU offers a diverse community from across the country and the world, so stepping out of your comfort zone is truly worth it.

Tip #8 - Go to football games

Come on, Cougs! We're famous for our incredible school spirit and unforgettable football games, so be sure to experience at least one— even if football isn't really your thing. The stands are packed with fellow students, making it easy to meet new people and soak up the atmosphere.

Tip #9 - Find on campus hangouts

Even outside the dorms, there are plenty of common areas where you can hang out and meet new people. One of my favorite spots is the Flix Cafe, located just below the Southside Cafe Rotunda. It has a cool 50s diner vibe and serves the absolute best milkshakes. But there are so many hidden gems on campus that make perfect hangout or study spots. Spend some time exploring—you’re sure to find your own favorite place!

Hopefully all the new Cougs can use some of these tips and have a great start this semester

stay awesome and,

GO COUGS!!!!

-Connor