If you are someone like me, making friends in high school came naturally. That is why coming to college was an absolute shock.

In college, especially if you go to a larger school, it’s so easy to feel like you don’t fit anywhere. The college environment can cause even the most outgoing person to falter, feeling lonely in the back of the classroom when the people around you do not care to make friends for any other reason than to share study guides.

That first semester, aside from a small (great!) group of friends, I wasn’t able to find that true community I needed.

Flash forward 2 years later and I can hardly even remember what it felt like to feel so tiny in a big community. I have made friends who actually care to be there, and I finally feel like I belong at my school.

The path to finding where you fit is never easy, but hopefully these steps will help you get there: 

Table of Contents

Step One: Be You

Yes, I know this sounds cliche but it’s true. This is the first step to finding the people you will call your tribe. Everyone has something that makes them interesting and unique, so put that on display! Don’t hide who you are — if you do, you’ll just end up with friends who don’t really love you for you. 

The things that make you different will make you memorable. Don’t be scared to show them off.

Step Two: Be Positive

Not everyone is happy all the time, and that is okay! But, people are attracted to what you put out in the world and want to be friends with people who uplift them. So smile! Good vibes attract good people! 

Step Three: Say Yes

I’ve said it before and I will scream it again because it is a wonderful thing to be so open: SAY YES!