College is known for being a good place to “find your people.” Free from the shackles of judgement and the high school hierarchy, finding friends with similar values and interests is much simpler — but still stressful.

You can no longer rely on your locker buddy or assigned seating to create a built-in friend, but college provides many other opportunities for you to make new friends instead.

Here are some low-stress and low-pressure ways to make friends as a college student, regardless of your year, from a student who has been in your shoes.

1. Say hi to your neighbors

Although you no longer have locker buddies, you likely have something almost identical: neighbors. This is even better — it’s not like you could invite people into your locker. 

Whether you live in the dorms, an apartment or in a house, introducing yourself to neighbors is a great way to make friends while also creating a supportive community. You’ll be glad to have that community for when you need that extra cup of sugar or for when you leave your Titan Card in the bathroom— again. 

2. Introduce yourself to classmates

This is a great tip in general. I’ve always made sure to make at least one friend in each class. Not only is it super helpful for studying or when you’re confused on assignments, but it also makes class more interesting and provides an incentive to go on days you can’t seem to roll out of bed. This tip is also especially helpful as you get into classes revolving around your major, as these peers often become your career network when it’s time to get a job. Even if it is just your major, you’re bound to have something in common with them. 

3. Get involved

Yes, it’s a broad and cliché statement, but it works. Join campus clubs and organizations and go to campus events. Don’t overlook it just because it’s obvious. Joining clubs and organizations are a fantastic way to find people with similar interests and values. Joining can also provide you with leadership opportunities that can improve your resume. Events are also a great, low-pressure way to find people with similar interests, and they are often free and a lot of fun.

4. Get a job

Getting a job is a foolproof way to make friends, especially in Oshkosh. Regardless if you’re looking for on or off-campus job, you’re likely to work with at least one other college student because we live in a college town. 

On-campus employment guarantees that, as well as the ability for flexible hours and a fixed schedule. Off-campus jobs provide a wider range of opportunities with higher wages while also allowing you to work more than 25 hours. 

5. Become a regular

I’ll admit this isn’t the best method, but it definitely still works. While it may not be the best way to form deep, emotional relationships, it is definitely a launchpad for that. 

It’s the least stressful method of making friends due to its passive nature. Instead of being assertive, this method allows for a relationship to form and progress naturally over time. This could be at a coffeeshop, the gym, a yoga studio, a bar, etc. 

Relationships can be formed with both employees and other regulars and typically begins with something as little as making eye contact. Next, you’re smiling at one another, and then you’re chatting the next time after that. 

Other times, it begins with asking for the Wi-Fi password or asking which latte they’re drinking. The more you visit, the better your chances are. “Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name,” as the “Cheers” theme says. 

6. Be yourself

Perhaps the most important method to making friends is just being yourself. I found this piece of advice to be so cliché I ignored it altogether, but I wish I would’ve listened. Many people (including myself at one time) are so desperate to make friends for fear of being alone that they go about making friends the completely wrong way.

I would just mold my personality to everyone I met in hopes of finding a friend. Although it worked for a little, it never stuck. 

Doing this also prevented me from finding the people that I would click with. When you are yourself, it’s like displaying a bat signal to the world that other like-minded individuals can follow. If your signal is blurry and unsure, you’re less likely to draw people to it. 

Don’t be mistaken, however – you will not solely make friends by “drawing” them to you. You have to actually make an effort. I know it’s scary, but that’s what all these great tips are for. 

While you may be looking for friends, don’t forget that you’re a prize, too! At the end of the day, just remember that you yourself are awesome and worthy of friends, and anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend.