When arriving at West Chester University for my first semester in August of 2021, I was nervous about making friends. Even though I would be rooming with a friend from high school, I was still worried about making new additional friends. I moved into the dorm with my high school friend plus, two other roommates we did not know. It was awesome that we all got along from the start and found fun things to do while hanging out, like practicing our golf putting with cups. We ended up making a bunch of friends on our floor by other residents asking if they could try and put the ball into the cup.

Meeting new people is such an awesome thing we can do as humans. We come together to help each other or play different types of activities like sports. A great way to connect with new friends on campus is to participate in intramural sports. The first available Fall sport was flag football. We were able to make a co-rec and guys’ flag football team from the friends we made on our floor.

Another way I was able to meet friends was by going to the rec gym and playing basketball. I met some of my best friends at college through playing basketball at the gym. This also led to playing basketball intramurals as well as baseball intramurals. It made me realize that having a good group of friends to play sports or activities throughout college is key to having a positive college experience. Being able to play sports can help lower the stress that can come from too much schoolwork or if you get a bad grade on an exam. Having physical activity allows you to be in the moment with your friends and it allows you to take all your mind off your troubles.

College is not just about academics; it is also about building connections and creating memories that last a lifetime. The camaraderie you find through sports and activities not only help you unwind from the pressure of school but also enrich your overall college experience. Indeed, the ability to meet new people and engage in shared activities is a fundamental aspect of the human experience.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!