Meeting is only the first half
Lauren describes several doors into friendship: residence events, welcome-week tasters, societies, sports and buddy groups. Each provides a shared reason to speak, including for students who arrive alone.
The more revealing part of her account comes later. Friendships survived through voice notes, group chats, library sessions, coffee and themed evenings. Some friends met only a few times each semester, but contact remained intentional.
Move through the awkward middle
Use a small, concrete invitation that leaves both people room to answer honestly.
- Name the shared contextBegin with the class, event, residence or interest you already have in common.
- Offer a real timeSuggest one library hour, coffee after class or short event instead of saying you should meet sometime.
- Choose the right channelA message, voice note or group chat can maintain contact without requiring constant in-person availability.
- Repeat what workedThe same study break or monthly coffee can carry more weight than a stream of new plans.
- Name the next contactBefore the plan ends, agree on the message, class or routine that gives the relationship an easy place to continue.
Friendship does not require drinking
Lauren did not drink in her first year and worried that social life would revolve around alcohol. She found other non-drinkers at events and enjoyed nights out with mocktails. The practical point is to state your preference and notice who makes room for it.