The transition from high school to college can be exciting for some, but may be terrifying for others. From cost, to the amount of traffic to get to campus, to classes and everything in between, it can be a lot to take in all at once, especially if done alone. 

If you have lifelong friends that have ventured off to different universities and you are stressing over making new ones, this story is for you. Minero Magazine gathered some tips and strategies for incoming freshmen who may be worried about making new friends.

Join a Fraternity/Sorority

Joining a Fraternity or Sorority is one of the most common things you can do as a college student in terms of making new friends. 

Instantly, you have ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ and there are numerous activities that allow you all to bond. 

Join a club/student organization

If Fraternities and Sororities are not your thing, join a club or student organization instead. Surround yourself with people who share common interests, and believe in the same causes that you do.

Besides making friends, a few benefits to joining a fraternity, sorority or student organization are beneficial for building your resumé, balancing social and academic activities, and creating lifelong friendships, according to an article from the National Society of High School Scholars.

Attend UTEP events

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) offers a variety of activities and events almost daily. UTEP also provides numerous after school activities, not includings games, that give students the chance to not only make friends but become more involved with the school. 

Minerpalooza will be taking place Sept. 2 to kick off the semester. In previous years, Minerpalooza has welcomed numerous artists to perform such as Drake Bell, the Ying Yang Twins, DJ Pauly D and more. The entertainment for this year has not yet been released. An updated version of the story will be released once more information is available.

UTEP provides a website called MineTracker, with a list of events and activities to keep students updated on what’s to come for the semester. Aside from that, MineTracker provides opportunities for students to join student organizations, host events and more. Students are able to access MineTracker by using their UTEP login.

Miner Welcome will host events the first two weeks of classes Aug. 18-31, and each day will be a different and creative way of welcoming Miners to  campus. 

Whether it be strolling through the plaza on your way to your next class or attending an after school game, get involved. 

Ice breakers

Typically at the beginning of the semester, professors like to start off their classes with ice breakers. Although many students may find them annoying or a waste of time, this is a professor’s way of getting students to interact with one another. 

Even though it may be scary, ask each other open-ended questions to occupy the awkward silence.

“As someone who suffers from anxiety it can be a little scary,” incoming freshman Nicole Garate said. “A good thing about me is once I’m comfortable, it’s easier for me to interact with people.”

So next time you are in class and your professors instruct you to turn to the person next to you, go in with an open mind. 

Arrange study groups

Whether it be at a local coffee shop, someone’s house or even through Zoom, organize a study group with people from your class.

“Invite them to study outside of school,” junior Elizabeth Rodriguez said. “Add them on social media to always keep in touch even after the class ends.”

This strategy can set you up for the rest of the semester, all while making friends along the way.

Explore different areas on campus

UTEP is a large university, filled with numerous locations that students can go to chill in between classes.

Two popular areas include the Student Union and the Centennial Plaza, where there are often games, music, food and different booths giving away prizes.

Whether you join a student organization, organize study groups, or attend after school events, the number one thing to remember about making friends is to be yourself, according to Garate.

“It’s easier to find the type of friends that fit in the best with you and your personality,” Garate said.