Tips For Making Friends In Hostels and Building a Network
Regardless of whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, you are going to meet new people when you move to a hostel. And from experience, we can guarantee that you will need friends when living in a different city, away from home. However, making friends is not always easy for everyone.
In this blog, we will explain a few simple tips for making friends in hostels and navigating the social dynamics. These are just basic suggestions that you can incorporate into your daily life without spending extra time and resources.
1. Start With Simple Pleasentaries And Ice-Breakers
When you meet new people, start with a few simple gestures and icebreakers. These could include a polite smile, introducing yourself, and using a greeting. A small icebreaker about what room you are in, what college you have been admitted into, or which city you come from can help to initiate conversation. While it may be difficult for introverted people to share everything about them at the first go, you can start with one thing at a time.
2. Greet Roommates With Smile
You are going to be spending a lot of your time with your roommates; hence, befriending them can make your time much fun and easier. Always greeting roommates with a polite smile creates a positive environment for all. Smiling is one of the easiest ways to make friends as it makes you look approachable and friendly.
3. Exchange Stories
Once you get comfortable with your hostel mates, you can initiate conversations by sharing stories about your city, school, personal life, etc. Simple questions like “Where are you from?” and “What’s the best place to visit in your city?” are enough to start an hour-long conversation. However, exchanging stories is a two-way street, you need to actively listen to the other person and also be part of the conversation.
4. Show Interest In Their Hobbies And Likings
Showing interest in other people’s hobbies and interests makes you more likeable and approachable. If anyone mentions they like a certain TV show, hiking, singing, or anything else, ask follow-up questions to understand their hobbies better. This may also introduce you to new activities that you can enjoy together, like attending a local event, playing board games, or trying out a new cuisine.
5. Find People Who Like The Same Pop-Culture As You
One of the fastest ways to make new friends is to find people who like the same things as you. Talk about your pop-culture interests like movies, TV shows, books, and games, to find people who like the same things. It is easier to make friends with people who show the same enthusiasm as you about these topics.
6. Hang Out In Common Areas
Our hostels have several common areas where students can meet, relax, and hang out. Hanging out in these common areas is the best way to network in a student accommodation. These areas include lounges, a lobby, a terrace, and sports turfs. Read a book, play games, or just sit and relax; when other students approach you, strike up a conversation. The more you hang out in common areas, the more chances of you making friends.
7. Participate in Group Events
We often host group events at our hostels to foster friendships. These events can play a huge part in enhancing your social life in student hostels. These events provide an opportunity to meet new friends from other floors and create a sense of community. You will have to speak with other students during the events to strategise and collaborate, making the task much easier.
8. Be Respectful And Accepting To Everyone
You will meet a number of people during your stay at our college student hostels in Mumbai. These people can have different cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, and perspectives. Be respectful and open-minded to everyone and always try to judge people based on stereotypes. Being respectful and open-minded helps to foster positive relationships.
9. Be Optimistic About People
When meeting people for the first time, remember to be optimistic and cheerful. Meet everyone with a smile and an attitude that everyone is kind and welcoming. This mindset will help you become more friendly and open to new people. When you radiate positivity, everyone will be comfortable talking to you. While being the beacon of positivity 24/7 is not very practical, you can add your humour, kindness, or adventurous spirit in between conversations.
10. Learn Each Other’s Languages
Learning and speaking each other’s languages can be a perfect way to bond with someone. If you know a few phrases in the other person’s native language like “hello,” “thank you,” or “how are you?”, it could be used as an ice-breaker. Trying to learn the other person’s language also shows that you are genuinely interested in what they are saying.
11. Ask For Help When Needed
Asking for help with your college work, navigating the area, hostel rules, or travel tips is the best way to seem humble while making friends. When you ask someone for help, they let their guard down. Helping someone gives people a sense of importance and joy. This also gives you a reason to converse with others. Naturally, if someone asks for help to you, do not hesitate to help them.
12. Share Food
Sharing food is one of the greatest ways to bond with anyone. It is a universal language that everyone speaks. You can offer snacks that you have brought from your home. Some of our hostels provide freshly cooked meals three times a day, so students do not have to worry about cooking food; however, you can sit together while having dinner with your newly found friends.
Conclusion
Finding the right balance between socialising and studying is crucial for an optimal year at the Student Housing hostel. If you are having trouble making friends at your hostel, use simple methods like greeting everyone with a polite smile and pleasantries, spending time with roommates and other students, and exchanging stories. You can also participate in group activities, learn each other’s languages, ask for help when you need it, and share food.
If you have any other questions or concerns about your time at Student Housing, feel free to get in touch with us. We are always here to help you!