Laker Tips & Tricks: 4 Ways to Make Friends This Semester

Written By: Sarah Krishef
Posted on September 22, 2020

Let’s face it – meeting new people is complicated right now. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for meeting people without even leaving the house. Here are four tips for making friends during this roller coaster of a semester.


Join a student organization

One of the best ways to make friends is to join a student org. This is the perfect opportunity to meet people who share your interests. This semester, many organizations are offering online opportunities. You can browse the different options and find out more on LakerLink.

Students in radio station

Get a job on campus

Make new friends at work! An on-campus job is great because it’s a quick commute for Lakers who work in-person, and remote work is available too. The Student Employment webpage is a great place to find out more about student employment at GV. You can also find job postings on Handshake. Get money, work hard, and worm your way into your coworkers’ hearts.

Handshake app on cellphone

Reach out to your classmates

Classroom icebreakers can be awkward, but having a friend looking out for you could be a lifesaver. Is your class using Flipgrid to record videos for each other? Watch them all and leave some comments! Have a question for the class? Try Blackboard’s email function! Chances are your classmates will be more than happy to respond.

Two students feet outside with fall leaves

Attend a campus event

Want more info on what’s going on at GVSU? The Events Calendar can hook you up with even more ways to meet people and get involved.


Remember to be kind to everyone you meet. A good way to start a friendship is to compliment someone’s outfit, listen to them rant about their day, and push yourself out of your comfort zone to talk to new people.

For more involvement opportunities and ways to make new friends, visit our Why Should I Get Involved page.



Page last modified October 8, 2021