Maddie with Homecoming Court
Many students find it challenging to make friends outside of classrooms or student organizations. While academic settings – like lecture halls – provide the perfect platform for initial connections, it can be difficult to transition these relationships into genuine friendships.
As a senior, I’ve discovered the importance of breaking down the barriers of the classroom and carrying these friendships into everyday life. I’ve found joy in hosting events at my house, following through on casual or networked connections and learning to navigate friendships. While intimidating, strengthening the relationships you make in the classroom can be an incredible opportunity to expand your network and community. Here are some examples and tips on how to transition your friendships outside the classroom:
CLASSROOM FRIENDS VS. LIFELONG CONNECTIONS
School friends are those you primarily interact with in an academic setting. These are the people you collaborate with on group projects, study with for exams, and hold discussions regarding course materials. The connection is built on shared academic goals and the structured environment of the classroom. Actual friends are those with whom you share a deeper bond that extends beyond the classroom. These are the people you invite to social events, share personal experiences, and spend time with during your leisure hours. The friendship is built on mutual interests, trust, and personal connection.
TRANSITIONING FRIENDSHIPS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Maddie (Center) taking in the views in Budapest, Hungary with friends
One effective way to transition from classroom friends to actual friends is by extending invitations to casual dinners after working on group projects. This setting allows for more personal conversations and helps build a connection beyond academic topics. Attending workout classes, concerts, or other interest-based activities can also facilitate this transition. It creates a relaxed environment where you can bond over a shared hobby, making the friendship feel more natural and less forced. One of my favorite ways to incorporate new people into my circle is by facilitating that relaxed environment by hosting fun events centered around things we enjoy.
For example, my friend Skylar and I host “Cringeathons”. Here, women from different areas of our lives, like our sororities, class, or clubs, bond over treats and cringey movies like Twilight. It is a total girl’s night, and I love seeing people who have never met laugh over the terrible accents and cheesy dialogue together.
Hosting events with a cultural component can also be a great way to bring different groups together. I once hosted a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bowl) soup night where I made Vietnamese Pho. It was a wonderful way for people in my life to meet and connect with one another while taking a break from studying during finals week.
You can also create memorable experiences through unique events to strengthen these connections. My roommates and I hosted an eclipse watch party when it was in totality over Bloomington. This rare event was a great way to bring new and different people together. During the eclipse, we sat on blankets in our front yard in awe. The entire world went dark and the shared once-in-a lifetime experience brought our whole group together.
As the school year came to a close, I hosted a “Last Crumb Café” where I invited people over for coffee and pastries to celebrate the end of senior year. It was a simple yet meaningful way to gather friends and mark a significant milestone together.
By bringing your relationships outside of the classroom and incorporating friends from all areas of your life, you can effectively develop real friendships, creating a more interconnected and supportive social network.
Bio: Madeline Heath is in senior year at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business where she is majoring in Marketing and International Business and minoring in Studio Art. Maddie is passionate about the Kelley community and has devoted much of her time to Kelley Student Government where she has served as Director of Student Life and First Year Engagement Lead. She currently serves as President of the Kelley Women’s Council. A creative at heart, Maddie believes in the power of an imaginative approach and is excited to share favorite experiences and insights about Kelley with you!
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