Feeling a little isolated at school? Sure, you’re here to learn, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to get to know your classmates and make some new friends.
Use these 10 tips to connect with your peers, whether you’re learning on campus or online.
1. Join a Club
South University has a number of student organizations, so make sure you get involved! For example, the Students of Occupational Therapy Association at South University, Tampa recently organized a clothing drive for Dress for Success Tampa and the Epsilon Phi chapter of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity Inc. at South University School of Pharmacy in Columbia, SC started their first annual School Supply Drive last year. Make new friends and get the chance to help a good cause! Online students can find organizations in Connections, an exclusive community for our students.
2. Attend Events Regularly
There’s always something going on at South University for both campus and online students. Take advantage of these opportunities as a way to spend more time with your classmates and really get to know them. Some of the recent events include the Annual Black History Soiree at South University, Savannah and the Spark Writing Group — Flash Fiction at South University, Online Programs. Check the calendar to see what’s coming up next!
3. Start a Study Group
Need to talk through some of your assignments? Gather a few of your classmates together for a study session. Discuss the material, quiz each other, and have a great time bonding. Online students, this is for you too! Platforms like ExamTime make it possible to hold a virtual study group.
4. Introduce Yourself to People in Class
Stop making a beeline for a seat in the empty back row as soon as you enter the classroom. Sit next to someone you’ve never met and introduce yourself. There’s a good chance many of your fellow students are also hoping to make some new friends. Online students will also find plenty of opportunities to have conversations in the online classroom and on Connections.
5. Reach Out to Classmates Online
Make a point to get to know your classmates by sending them an introductory email or befriending them on social media sites like Facebook. It takes a little extra effort to meet people when you’re not seeing them face-to-face, but it’s definitely worth your time.
6. Become a Tutor
Are you a top student in one of your classes? Don’t be shy! If so, share your knowledge with your classmates by offering to help those who are struggling a bit with the material. This is a great way to do something good and meet new people.
7. Study on Campus
Stop studying at home and get some work done at school! Every South University campus has a well-equipped library designed as a place for students to study.
8. Volunteer
South University is filled with believe in giving back. Students, faculty and staff from South University, Cleveland have participated in the Lifebanc Gift of Life fundraiser at the Blossom Music Center and students and staff from South University, Novi have volunteered with the group “Christmas in Action” to help improve housing conditions for some elderly residents in the area. Join the team at your location and meet like-minded people – there’s even an Online Volunteers club for online students!
9. Find a Mentor
Are you in a program with a few seasoned professionals you really admire? Ask one to be your mentor. There’s a good chance they’ll be honored to share their knowledge to help guide someone just starting their career like you.
10. Participate in Online Discussions
For online students, participating in these discussions is a requirement, but over time, you’ll find that this is also a great way to get to know your peers!
