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As you build new relationships and grow your network, you’ll also add to your resume by developing your collaboration, communication, and leadership skills.
Whether you are entering your first or last year of higher education, here are a few ways to get started finding your community!
Making friends and building relationships
One of the biggest challenges yet one of the most rewarding experiences in college is how to find friends and form long-lasting relationships. Creating and maintaining relationships and friendships not only creates a sense of belonging on campus but also helps as you build your network during college and into your career.
Ways to get started
I joined Sigma Pi Alpha Sorority in the beginning of my college journey after finding out there were multicultural sororities and fraternities.
Getting out of my comfort zone and exploring their events has led to me finding amazing people. I’ve also gotten to grow professionally through holding leadership positions like financial chair and president!
UC Davis graduate
When you begin your journey in college, one of the biggest challenges you may face is how to find friends and form long-lasting relationships. People might tell you to go out there and socialize with others, but for some, it may not be that easy.
I wish that during my first year of college, people would have given me specific tips on how to build and find my community on campus. Now that I have graduated from UC Davis and started my full-time job, I am proud to share some tips that I discovered on my journey to finding my home-away-from-home on my college…
First-generation college students often face unique barriers in higher education. One way to get support and build your network is to connect with other first-generation college students and to take advantage of university programs designed specifically for first-gen students, students from low-income backgrounds, or people of color.
How to begin networking
Believe in yourself! Many times, first-generation college students don’t seek out opportunities because they don’t think that they deserve it.
Cal Poly Pomona graduate
As a first-generation college student, one of the biggest challenges I faced is feeling disadvantaged compared to my peers who may have connections and benefits that I do not since I am the first in my family to attend college.
I’ve come to find out that doing my best in classes and having good grades is no longer the only factor you may need to be successful after graduating college. As a fourth-year college student at Cal Poly Pomona, I have developed some strategies that have helped me network with others, and form connections that led me to…
Knowing about free college resources can make your higher education experience a lot smoother because you’ll have access to tools that help you succeed and connections to people with expertise in supporting you on your college journey.
Common campus resources
Even during hardship, there are resources for you. Colleges and universities offer student health centers and counseling centers, which offer helpful and convenient services that are often included in your tuition or fees. Colleges and universities also often offer food and clothing assistance, whether through pop-up pantries or basic needs resource centers, so college students can go and get food or clothing as they might need. If you ever do find yourself struggling, remember that you are NOT alone. You got this!
Cal State East Bay graduate
My name is Alison Paxtor and I am a first-generation California State University, East Bay graduate. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health. I also participated in Making Waves Foundation’s college success program, which provides scholarships and coaching for college.
As I reflect on my higher education experience, I think about how college has brought many accomplishments into my life. However, college was not easy. As a…
Your support community can include your family, friends, classmates, dormmates, team mates, professors and faculty, coaches, advisors, and community members. Some of those within your community might also serve as mentors, providing you with guidance and advice throughout your college and career journey.
One of the most unique aspects of Making Waves is that students are paired with a college coach. If you are apart of Making Waves’ college and career success program, connecting with your coach means having a partnership throughout your college journey. You can seek guidance and ask questions on a range of topics–from academics to finances, from careers to relationships. All you have to do is ask!
