How students can make meaningful connections in university

Starting university can feel like stepping into a completely different world. You’re surrounded by hundreds, maybe thousands, of new faces, but somehow you might still feel alone. If you’re wondering how to turn those brief hallway hellos into genuine friendships, you’re definitely not the only one thinking about it.

The truth is, making meaningful connections at university isn’t as straightforward as it seems in movies or social media posts. It takes time, intentionality, and sometimes a bit of courage to step outside your comfort zone.

You don’t need grand gestures to begin building connections. Some of the strongest friendships start with the smallest moments. Try arriving at class a few minutes early and striking up a conversation with the person sitting near you. Ask about the reading assignment, comment on the professor’s teaching style, or simply introduce yourself.

These brief interactions might seem insignificant, but they create familiarity. When you see that same person next week, you’ll have something to build on. Before you know it, those small conversations can develop into study partnerships, coffee dates, or genuine friendships.

This advice gets shared often, but there’s a reason why: it works. The difference is being strategic about which activities you choose. Rather than joining everything that sounds interesting, pick two or three activities that genuinely excite you or align with your goals.

Whether it’s an academic club related to your field of study, an intramural sports team, a volunteer organization, or even a gaming club, you’ll naturally connect with people who share similar interests or values. These shared experiences create built-in conversation starters and ongoing reasons to spend time together.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure what interests you yet. University is the perfect time to try new things. That pottery class, debate team, or environmental club might introduce you to passions you never knew you had – and to people who become lifelong friends.

Academic connections often become some of the strongest relationships you’ll build. There’s something about struggling through challenging coursework together that creates lasting bonds. Don’t underestimate the relationship-building potential of study groups.

Start by suggesting a study session before an upcoming exam or major assignment. Even if it begins as purely academic, these gatherings often evolve into social connections. You’ll start chatting about other classes, sharing meal breaks, and eventually hanging out outside of study sessions.

Study groups work particularly well because they serve multiple purposes: you’re improving your academic performance while building relationships. Plus, there’s less pressure than in purely social settings; you have a clear reason to be together, which can make conversations flow more naturally.

Here’s something no one tells you about university friendships: they don’t happen overnight. In university, schedules are more flexible and people are often in different classes or activities. Even if you have a great conversation with someone, you might not run into them again for weeks. That’s why university friendships need more intentional effort to grow.

Suggest grabbing coffee before the next class. Exchange contact information and actually use it. Send that text about the assignment you discussed, or share a funny meme related to your conversation.

University social events can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re naturally introverted or new to campus. The key is choosing events that match your personality and interests rather than forcing yourself into situations that make you uncomfortable.

Smaller gatherings like department mixers, book clubs, or workshop sessions often provide better opportunities for meaningful conversation than large parties. At these events, you can actually hear each other talk and have space for genuine interaction.

If larger events are more your style, try attending with a purpose beyond just meeting people. Volunteer to help with organization, attend the educational component of the event, or focus on one interesting conversation rather than trying to meet everyone in the room.

Don’t limit yourself to connecting only with other students. Some of the most valuable relationships you’ll build might be with professors, staff members, graduate students, or community members. These connections can provide mentorship, career guidance, and different perspectives on your university experience.

Attend office hours not just when you need help, but when you’re genuinely curious about the subject matter. Participate in research opportunities or work-study programs where you’ll interact with faculty and staff in more collaborative settings. Join community organizations where you’ll meet people at different life stages.

These intergenerational connections often provide the most lasting value, extending well beyond your university years and potentially influencing your career path and personal growth.

The most important thing to remember is that building meaningful connections is a process, not an event. Some friendships will develop quickly, others will take months or even years to fully form. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t immediately find your “people.” Most students take at least a semester or two to build their social circle.

Focus on being the kind of person others want to connect with: genuine, interested in others, reliable, and open to new experiences. When you approach relationships with authenticity rather than desperation, you’re more likely to attract people who appreciate you for who you really are.

University is a unique time in your life when you’re surrounded by people who are also figuring things out, exploring new ideas, and open to forming new relationships. Take advantage of this environment, be patient with the process, and trust that the meaningful connections you’re looking for will develop naturally over time.

Building meaningful relationships at university doesn’t require you to transform into someone you’re not or master complex social strategies. It starts with something much simpler: consistently showing up and being genuinely interested in the people around you.

Your living situation can also play a significant role in fostering these connections. Whether you choose residence life or explore off-campus apartments near Brock University, having a comfortable, welcoming space makes it easier to invite classmates over and create those informal moments where genuine friendships flourish.

At Regent Student Living, we understand that your home should be more than just a place to sleep and study – it should be a space where connections grow. With fully furnished off-campus apartments and limitless amenities, our communities provide the perfect backdrop for building the meaningful relationships that will define your university experience and beyond.