Ways for College Students to Get Involved and Stay Connected

One of the less-talked-about parts of the college experience is the value of building connections on campus, from long-lasting friendships to valuable professional relationships. It can be intimidating to try to find your place at a university, especially if you are arriving as a freshman or transferring from another college.

You do not have to be an extrovert to make lasting connections at your college. Sometimes, opportunities for networking are right in front of you, even if you do not immediately recognize them. At My College Companion, our goal is to help students succeed in college by providing resources to support their professional and academic development.

Get Involved in Campus Organizations

Many colleges have organizations and groups on campus that can help you foster bonds with other students. For instance, many people turn to Greek life (fraternities and sororities) to meet potential mentors and friends. That said, Greek life is not the only way to meet people in college. If you are looking for opportunities to get involved at your college, check out your university's website to see if there is a listing of all of the open clubs and organizations.

Sports, non-profit organizations, and study groups could also help you build a rapport with other students. Gravitating toward people with shared interests or in the same major as you is a viable strategy for making connections.

Build Connections Through Activities and Events

Extracurricular activities and events are an excellent avenue for meeting people in your desired field. While on campus, look out for job fairs and other professional networking events. You might also decide to pursue internships to meet potential employers, who can serve as references or even onboard you into working full-time after graduation.

Aside from job fairs, you could attend sponsored events on campus to meet new people, like plays from your school's theater department or sporting events from your college's athletics department. If you can afford to set aside some time from your studies, going to events on campus could prove very beneficial.

Grow Academically and Professionally

Some of the best connections you can make in college are the people who can directly assist you in your career path. In particular, your professors can serve as a source of professional guidance, and many of them are willing – sometimes even eager – to answer questions about finding work in your desired field.

When applying for internships and jobs early in your career, you may be asked to provide references. Your professors may be willing to serve as references upon request, but be sure to get approval in advance before you put them down as a contact.

Opportunities for Connections After Graduation

Even after you graduate from college, there may still be opportunities to stay in touch with the people you met on campus. Building a LinkedIn profile can help you remain in contact with your colleagues and mentors, and potentially give you an idea of where to start looking for work based on their experiences.

Additionally, many colleges host events for alumni that can allow you to reconnect with peers at homecoming events. And, if you are inclined, you could give back to your alma mater to support your school and its students.

Any More Questions?

At My College Companion, we provide advice and resources to college students from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. You can find more information about succeeding in college on our website, such as how to prepare for your career during college or where to find scholarships.

If you have any further questions, you can reach out to our scholarship team through our online contact form.