Don’t know anybody? It’s okay! Neither does anyone else.
How UTM’s RAWC can help you spread your social wings.
For those of you who are starting your first year, or even those who have already been here for a couple of years, use this article as either a guide or a source of inspiration if you are little frightened by the idea of making new friends on campus.
When I started my first year of university in 2021, I came alone, not knowing anyone. Following a year of social distancing, I was nervous but excited about developing as many relationships as I could during my first semester.
I worked out at the gym every day during my first semester. It wasn’t very busy, but I always went around the same time, and always saw the same faces. Despite the mask mandate and strenuous rules that discouraged many students from socializing, I did not let this hinder my goal to make friends.
Now, what’s my secret? Well, it’s very simple: I would spot someone in the gym who seemed approachable and would walk up to them, using the most unoriginal pick-up line: “Hey, how’s it going? I just wanted to introduce myself.” Ridiculous? Yes, but it worked! I would then proceed by asking the person questions about their workout, what program they’re in, their age, and background. Just simple small talk you would make with anyone that you meet at a social gathering
It might sound unbelievable, but to this day I remain in touch with almost every single person that I approached during my freshman year.
What I’m trying to say is that most people at UTM are friendly and come from unique and interesting backgrounds. You’d be amazed how many individuals you may meet in a day who can lift your spirits or provide you with a sense of community. The gym is a great place to start.
“Ok, but I don’t go to the gym, and I don’t know where to start.” Great! Even better! That makes it even easier. There are lots of fitness gurus at UTM, and there is nothing more gratifying than someone approaching you and either complimenting your workout or physique or even asking you for fitness tips. This can lead to a conversation about fitness and physical activity, and before you know it that person is sharing their social media or contact information with you.
Fitness is also a topic of conversation that many enjoy, and it’s something that’s so easy to talk about! In one case, you can have someone less informed about fitness asking plenty of interesting questions to someone very knowledgeable and interested in answering these questions. On the other hand, you can have two knowledgeable individuals sharing tips, meal plans, workouts and asking questions about each other’s routines.
I forgot to mention, that there are also tons of drop-in sports sessions, fitness classes, and various programs offered via the Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre (RAWC) that most of us go our entire university careers without using. Attend that spin class, go shoot some hoops and talk about the future of the Raptors, or learn to play the most unconventional sport that you can think of. That’s the magic of university. It’s a place of interpersonal growth, and I cannot stress that enough.
Shared experiences with others are the foundation of relationships. In other words, making friends through a shared interest, like sports, is an easy way to build lasting friendships. And trust me, having good friends makes these university years a whole lot more fun.
