The people you meet in university can become lifelong friends, business partners, mentors and colleagues. Building good relationships takes some effort, especially if you are shy, but it is one of the best investments you can make.
Making friends
- Show up regularly. Friendships grow from repeated contact: the same lecture, the same study group, the same club meeting every week.
- Start small conversations. Ask about a lecture, an assignment or someone's hometown. Most people are as nervous as you are and appreciate someone speaking first.
- Join one or two groups that match your interests: departmental associations, faith groups, sports, debate, tech or creative clubs.
- Be the friend you want. Share information, help when someone is sick or stuck, and remember people's names.
Building a professional network
Networking simply means building relationships with people who share your interests or work in fields you care about.
- Lecturers: ask thoughtful questions after class and attend office hours. Lecturers write reference letters and often know about opportunities.
- Senior students and alumni: ask about their experiences, internships and careers.
- Events: attend seminars, career fairs and workshops. Introduce yourself to at least one speaker or participant.
- LinkedIn: create a professional profile, connect with people you meet and share what you are learning.
When you reach out to someone you do not know, be brief and specific: who you are, why you are contacting them and one clear question. Thank them, even if they cannot help.
Keep relationships healthy
- Good friends respect your boundaries, support your goals and are honest with you.
- Be careful of relationships where someone pressures you, controls you or regularly makes you feel bad about yourself.
- It is okay to have a few close friends rather than many acquaintances.
- Stay in touch with friends from home and family, too. A strong support system matters, especially during stressful periods.
Give before you take
The best networkers help others first: sharing an opportunity, recommending someone, offering a skill. People remember kindness, and help tends to come back to you over time.
For introverts
You do not need to become loud or attend every party. Focus on smaller settings: study groups, one-on-one conversations and clubs built around a shared activity. Depth matters more than numbers.