Making new friends can be daunting. Add to that a global pandemic and online classes, and yes, it does make things a bit more difficult. But it really means that you just have to become more creative. You might have to take a bit of initiative. These tips will help you put the social back into social distancing and help you make friends with online classes!
1. FB Groups to Create Zoom Hang outs Based on your interest
If your college has a Facebook group for your class year, then make a post looking for students interested in creating a Zoom/Google hang out. Are you into painting/DIY? Make a post saying you’d be interested in creating a weekly Zoom session for those interested in painting or making something every week. Into yoga? Include that in the post to attract people to join you in your yoga sessions.
 2. Discord
Discord is also a great website for finding people with similar interests as yourself. You can even make your own group and invite others to join in. It’s like you’ll find other people looking to make friends with online classes.
3. Game Nights
Check to see if there are any game nights happening virtually in your campus space. Alternatively, you could make a post on your class page and ask if anyone wants to do a virtual escape room, Jackbox session, Scribblio, etc.
4. Exercise Sessions Online
Many universities are hosting online workout sessions hosted by professional instructors. This could be a great way to learn a new activity from the comfort of no one having to see you flailing about. It’s also a great way to meet other people who might have similar interests as yourself!
If your university isn’t offering this, set up a recurring Zoom meeting or set a time once per day or a few times a week to workout and make a post on your class’s FB page.
5. Clubs
Campus clubs will still be recruiting new students, so this is a great way to get involved and meet other people who share your interests while making friends with online classes!
6. Virtual Volunteering
If you love to volunteer, take that passion virtual! Check out your campus’s public service center to check out where you can get involved in an online format.
7. Friendship Dating Apps
If you moved to a new area, check out an app like Bumble BFF to make some new friends. Then you can invite them to hang with virtually with any of the ideas mentioned above or any of your own ideas. There is sure to be other students looking to make friends with online classes as well!
