Entering college as a freshman can be hard, and attending a school on the other side of the country where you don't know anybody can be even harder. Many college athletes think they will be ok until they actually enter college and begin to struggle–it can be hard to find time to balance school, sports, and a social life. 

Luckily, it's not impossible. If you need some social support, here are 3 tips on how to make friends in the world of college athletics:

Participate in Team Bonding Exercises

Being a part of an athletic team can oftentimes give you immediate friends when you get to college. Although it may seem like you don't even have to try, you still should be seeking to form bonds with as many people as possible. Instead of shying away from the whole team, look to encourage and promote team bonding exercises with your teammates. The upperclassmen usually have other friends that they have made over the years that they can introduce you to, and you can expand your network by simply being outgoing and willing to participate during team activities. Bonding exercises really do work, and can sometimes be where you meet your bestie!

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Join a Club or Program

There are often groups and associations that many athletes can participate in that represent athletes on campus as a whole. For example, there are sometimes clubs for athletes that allow you to work with athletes from other sports teams as one to promote events like food drives and banquets. This is a great way to meet members from other teams and interact with other athletes. Keep programs like this in mind and be on the lookout for clubs that can put you in a great position to meet more people!

Related: Expand Your Roster: 5 Ways To Make Friends Outside of Sports

Make Connections Based On Where You Are From

For foreign college athletes especially, connecting with new teammates and classmates can be a challenge. When entering the world of college athletics it can be useful to use your hometown as a talking point when you start conversation with others! If you are from a unique place, people will be sure to have questions for you. Even if you are more local or come from the U.S. you can still make friends with people who live a few states away that you've never even met. You'd be surprised how many people you may connect with based on where you are from and the people you might know.

When it comes to making friends in college while being an athlete, make sure to reach out to other teams and be outgoing as possible! Whether you are a part of a big team or a small team, make sure to befriend your teammates and see who they could possibly introduce you to. The friends you make in college can last the rest of your life so make it a point to meet as many people as possible and make connections. 

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* Originally published on August 24, 2022, by Claire Borman