OCTOBER 2018

Destiny Copeland: Spruce Up Your Social Life

Being in college, sometimes we can put too much time in our academics. Yes the purpose of

college is to get a degree, a job, and spread your impact on the world. But it's also about learning

about yourself and building long lasting relationships. I know a few people, from freshman to

seniors, who wished they put more effort into finding friends sooner. I'm here to tell you it's

never too late to make friends, here are a few tips to help you.

1. Join Orgs

I'm sure you all heard this before, but organizations are the best place to meet people.

A lot of those meetings are interactive, so you really get to know the people you're

around. Some of my favorite people I met at Umich I found at club meetings. And

even though they graduated we still keep in contact.

1. Find a Study Buddy in Class

This is good for a few reasons. If you ever miss class, they can send you their notes.

And if a test is coming up you guys can meet a few days a week to prepare. More

often than not study buddies become plain old buddies. You just have to meet outside

of studying, which leads to my next point.

1. Make Friend Dates

I am always flattered when people ask me on friend dates, even more flattered than

when I'm asked on romantic dates. I'm sure a lot of people feel this way and there's so

many things to do in Ann Arbor. You could go see a movie, walk around the art

museum, have a picnic, grab lunch somewhere, or just hangout in your room.

1. Go to Events Alone

I think a lot of people see me as an extrovert, but I actually trained myself to be that

way. I'm naturally an introvert who's just talkative. Walking into events alone forced

me out of my comfort zone to start conversations with people. Most of the time I'd

know a few people at the event and that's a good opportunity to build on our

relationship. And if I didn't know anyone I'd go up to someone who looked

approachable start talking about anything. Try starting with a compliment, it'll make

them more engaged in the conversation.

1. There's Always the Internet

When all else fails, go online. Now I personally don't have any internet friends right now

but I also don't have a strong social media presence. Back in the day when Twitter was my life I made a bunch of friends. To be fair a lot of them were people I was going to meet in

high school anyway, but we built a foundation online. But I do follow a lot of people who

have internet friendships that lasted for years, it can happen to you too. The relationship

dynamics are a little different, but I see it as having a long-distance friend. If you're shyer I

think making friends online will help ease your way to making some in person.

life I made a bunch of friends. To be fair a lot of them were people I was going to meet in

high school anyway, but we built a foundation online. But I do follow a lot of people who

have internet friendships that lasted for years, it can happen to you too. The relationship

dynamics are a little different, but I see it as having a long-distance friend.