Traveling to a new place, a new school and new environment is tough for a lot of people, especially for those far from home. Finding your people here or at any university has its ups and downs, but in the end college is meant for friendships that will last a lifetime. 

Different social groups, organizations, clubs and teams are a great way to get involved on campus and meet new people. When speaking with students ranging from freshmen to seniors, they all stressed the importance of joining new organizations. Senior Lindsay Cummins hails from Pittsburgh and said that she found her lifelong friends from her sorority Phi Sigma Sigma, her freshman dorm and through mutual friends here on campus.  

“Get involved! Greek life, club sports, other RSOs. Start hanging out with the friends of friends you already have and most likely you guys will get along,” Cummins said. “Reach out to people in your classes to walk to class or study together.” 

Not only can you meet new people through social events, but class is a great way to find those with similar interests as you, such as the same major or minor. Sophomore Fiona Letko built friendships with fellow nursing students.

“I was able to find friends in my building and also become friends with my nursing peers,” Letko said. “Some of my best friends are nursing majors here so it’s awesome being able to help each other through classes.” 

Junior Carley Redfearn is a medical diagnostics, pre-physician’s assistant major from New Jersey who advised staying in touch on social platforms.

“Once you find someone with similar interests and values, you can grow a bond from there,” Redfearn said. “Maybe ask them to hang out one day or invite them out with another group of friends. Social media is also a great way to connect.”

Letko said the University supports organizations and clubs here on campus making sure everyone finds their home away from home.

“[UD is] always posting things around the campus and on social media about events happening and clubs to join,” Letko said. “They seem to want all of their students to find something that suits them.” 

Freshman year is a great place to start with the help of residence halls. The resident assistants are always looking to involve their students in activities to allow for freshmen and sophomores to meet one another, including ice breaker games during hall meetings, pizza parties and volleyball competitions. The great thing is you can come from any background, class or ethnicity to join any club. UD takes pride in the lack of discrimination and emphasis on equality among students.

Check out StUDent Central for more information on the hundreds of RSOs available at UD and connect with their leaders.

This blog post is written by our Division of Student Life student intern Elliana Olivo.