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One of the best ways to meet new people is to get involved. Often, the key to getting involved includes stepping out of your comfort zone and being open to new experiences and friends you might not have met otherwise. Here are three ways to make new friends.

1. Try new things

Even though this semester may be different, it doesn’t mean the opportunities to meet new people are gone.

One way to get started is by trying something you’ve never done before. Did you know the Rec Center has a rock climbing wall? Why not ask your roommate to try it with you? You can make  to plan ahead. Sign up for a live guided painting class, or  invite people you meet in your classes to join you on a virtual through the Center for Student Involvement. Trying new things can lead to awesome experiences and many new friendships.

The important thing is to step outside of your comfort zone and do things you might not have thought of doing before.

2. Make the first move

When it comes to forming new friendships, putting yourself out there can be scary. For many people, it’s common to feel nervous about initiating social plans. However, you can use this to your advantage. One strategy to try this semester is to commit to making the first move.

Be the first to introduce yourself when meeting someone new, or be the one to say hello on that chat in Zoom. If you take on the responsibility of breaking the ice, it can help pave the way for new friendships. Here are a few places you can start to connect with others:

• In your classes. When logged in for your online classes, look around for a few friendly faces. Reach out via the chat to set up a virtual study group.
• In your residence hall. Make it a goal to reach out to someone new every day. Attending virtual events can be a great way to connect with others in your residence hall. Check out the Fall Events website to find events that spark your interest.
• In the organizations you join. Whether you are volunteering, working or part of an organization, there are other students that have similar interests as you. Connect on other hobbies or passions you have and be open to exploring more!
• Outside while physically distancing. You can easily start a conversation with someone who is 6 feet away from you. Start by talking about the awkwardness of meeting new people in these strange times!

It might take some effort to get out of your comfort zone, but it can lead to new experiences and a wider social circle.

3. Explore ways to get involved

Are you looking to explore more hobbies and interests? Need some experiences to add to your resume? The answers to these questions can help you decide what “getting involved” looks like for you. By doing things you like, you’ll be able to meet people that are curious about the same things you are.

If you’d like to explore hobbies and interests, check out the hundreds of student organizations through. If you are looking for experience, consider a where you’ll not only gain experience for your resume, but meet other students along the way.

Getting involved looks different for everyone and doesn’t always have to include a long-term commitment to a group or job. If you feel like you don’t have time right now to commit, there are still ways to get involved through campus events. Attending events allows you to connect with others and gain new experiences.

Want to know about more ways to meet friends? Visit the Student Affairs website for additional opportunities and follow us on social media @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!