WALKING INTO A lecture theatre packed to the rafters with strange, unfamiliar faces can be a really overwhelming experience, regardless of how confident you are in your abilities to make friends – especially at 18.

And leaving the soft cocoon of your circle of school friends for bigger classes in subjects you’ve often never studied before can be even harder. Fortunately, if you’re feeling a little off, there’ll be student support services in every college designed to help you get on your feet in college and make the most of your time there.

In the meantime, we spoke to current students about how they became close to their friends from college, and how they managed to build friendships that will hopefully last long past their graduation day.

Here’s what they had to say.

1. All you need is one familiar face (and maybe a hobby you enjoy)

As a very nervous student about to start my Master’s, I came across a familiar sight – another student looking just about as lost and scared as I did. I built up the courage to say hello. In college, all you need is one familiar face and you are set. This face will keep popping up. Having finally introduced ourselves, we quickly noticed we had a lot in common – sport and music. After a short amount of time, we were effectively inseparable.

One of the best decisions I have made in my life so far was joining the Moot Court (debating) programme available at my college (Griffith College). This decision took me and two of my wonderful classmates to the French region of Alsace to the International World Championships. This will always be one of the most amazing experiences I have ever taken part in as it required me to be taken out of my comfort zone, think on my feet and act resiliently – traits which will stand to me in my legal career.

Conor

2. Treat your shared interest as an icebreaker

I actually found my closest friends in my class. Through our shared interest in the topic we’re studying (photography), we got close quickly and are now really good friends. This semester I got involved in the LGBTQIA+ society in my college. Societies and clubs are a great way to make friends, because the topic of the society/club acts as an ice breaker – you all already know that you have something in common so it’s easier to connect.

My advice for Leaving Cert students starting college is to put yourself out there. Join clubs or societies, go to events and gigs where you can meet like-minded people. I think it’s important to step outside of your comfort zone and to look beyond the borders of your class, it’s very likely you will find people to connect with outside of your class too.

Freja

3. Use your spare time to support other students

Unsplash Unsplash

For most of my time in college I was part of an organisation that helped and supported students with their mental health. I found this to be the best way to make really good friends in college and they’re still close friends I have today. By joining this organisation I was already surrounded by people with similar interests and passions that I had which helped break the ice and make that initial connection.

The organisation also provided lots of opportunities for socialising and spending time together with trips away or in training, which meant friendships grew quickly and we made lots of great memories. I highly recommend joining a club when at college as it provides a much easier opportunity to make friends compared to large lecture halls filled with people you might not have similar interests to.

Kate

4. Don’t miss your induction day (or be afraid to ask someone for lunch)

I was lucky that I was in a small class of five students at Griffith. I was even luckier that one of those students was my cousin’s cousin, so it wasn’t too hard initiating friendship. We all grew close really quickly from just chatting on breaks and being in lectures. I didn’t join any societies, which I regret as in first/second year you can fully immerse yourself in them.

Definitely attend your induction day – it’s inevitable you will talk to new people and it’ll make the first day less daunting. When you have started, ask someone if they want to get lunch on one of their breaks – the worst they can do is say no. Remember everyone is in the same boat so I’m sure you’ll make someone’s day by asking. You will more than likely make your lifelong friends in college, so don’t worry about first impressions.

Fodhla

5. If you don’t know anyone properly – reach out to acquaintances

As a Turkish citizen, I came to Dublin last September. I was alone and 1,836 miles far from my family, friends, and home. On the first day of college, I learned that one of my friend’s friends was also studying at my college so I texted him to meet me. Back then I wouldn’t know it would be the start of a really strong friendship. Now, after a year from this initial meeting, we live together and he means so much to me.

I built up a lot of international friendships as well. Being social is the key to achieve that. In the second week of school, we created a WhatsApp group within the class and we started to meet every weekend at the park to play football. Our course has finished and we’re still going out to play football, drink and talk about our future goals. 

Mert

Griffith College Griffith College

6. Sometimes going to different colleges to your friends can be a blessing

My closest friends in college are in my class. On our first day our little friend group just clicked. I was scared of going into college as all my other friends were going to the same ones and I was the odd one out. But this was actually a huge benefit as I now have friends for life that share the same interests as me.

The girls and I have become little travel buddies, which is great. You get to explore the world with some of your closest friends. In college you will meet all types of people. So, for those going a completely different path compared to their friends, don’t worry. There is someone somewhere that feels as nervous as you going into a new environment. 

Marisa

7. Dive right in and see if a society needs help – you’ll make lifelong friends

I was lucky to get on really well with most people in my course. There were a lot of practical and group work elements, plus the number of students was relatively small, so we had lots of time to get to know each other. From there, it progressed to hanging out in between lectures too, then nights out, and we are now friends for life! Also, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to anyone who seems like your kind of person.

The other big way I made lifelong friends was from joining the drama society. I jumped right in and started going to auditions and volunteering to do anything that was needed, I still see so many people from that group regularly! In fact, one of my very best friends now was the director of a play I was in during my first few months of college. 

Paula 

Filling out your CAO, or know someone who is? Griffith College has a brilliant undergraduate offering of courses such as Accounting and Finance, Art and Design, Business, Computing, Fashion Design, Journalism, Law, Marketing and Photography – and they’re here to help you decide. Take a look at exactly what they have on offer here, and their Creative Bursary for DEIS schools.