Social Skills Challenges for College Students
Making new friends in college is one of the most important tasks of settling into a new environment, especially the first year in school away from home.
No one wants to feel alone as they enter this new stage of life. However, one doesn’t walk into a set group of friends, and this means reaching out is up to the student to create that situation. It is more stressful for some, as it means putting oneself out there to cultivate new friendships, which could come from any or all of these levels listed below.
- 1st level: Roommate, although this could be more of a tolerate that person or just end up as acquaintances rather than friendship
- 2nd level: Suite mate/Dorm floor
- 3rd level: Dining hall/Classmates
- 4th level: Participation in activities:
- Clubs/Fitness center
- Sorority or Fraternity
- 5th level: Campus Job
If a student is having trouble feeling comfortable meeting other students, it is important they reach out to an advisor or therapist on campus to help them navigate the transition to fitting in socially at school.