Out of Your Dorm Room and Into the Green: 10 Ways to Connect on Campus

If you’re a student heading to college this fall, you might be excited to move into your dorm, meet your classmates, and become part of your campus community. You might also feel a little nervous about putting yourself out there socially, or worried about not fitting in.

As a clinician who works with adolescents and young adults navigating the high-school-to-college transition, I see how overwhelming that fear can be. When making friends feels daunting, retreating to your dorm to watch your favorite shows and scroll on social media can seem like the safer choice. Yet research shows that adolescents who spend more time on screens are also more likely to experience loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

If you tend to scroll or binge-watch when you feel uncertain, I’ve listed ten low-stakes challenges you can take on each day to help you integrate into your college community. While some of these challenges may seem a little intimidating, succeeding at them can also help strengthen your resilience and self-confidence over time.

1. Go for a Walk

Even short bouts of physical activity and time outdoors can lift your mood and help you feel more open to connecting. Leave your phone in your dorm — or, if you need it for safety, put it on do-not-disturb — and wander around campus. Notice what you see, hear, and smell. Greet people you pass. You’ll not only feel more rooted in your surroundings, but also more approachable to others who are, like you, finding their way in this new environment.

2. Eat in the Dining Hall

The dining hall can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t have a ready-made group. Invite your roommate, hallmate, or classmate to join you. If you go alone, ask someone you recognize if you can sit with them. They might be glad you did.

3. Linger After Class

Classes aren't just about lectures and assignments; they're also opportunities to meet peers. Instead of heading straight to your room after class, take a moment to say hello to a classmate or plan a study group.

4. See Your Campus as a Town Square

Think of your college campus like a vibrant town square. Read on a bench, sit under a tree, or organize a picnic on the green. These moments can help build a sense of belonging and create natural chances to meet people.

5. Consider Attending Services

Whether or not you were raised in a religious tradition, try attending a service on campus — not only to meet new people, but to take part in an ancient practice of exploring questions about morality, spirit, and meaning. That shared reflection can help anchor you during the transitions and challenges of college life.

6. Join a Club or Organization

Clubs bring together people with shared interests, making it easier to connect and strengthen your sense of belonging. Attend your school’s club fair, try a few meetings, and see what feels like a fit.

7. Serve in the Community

Look for opportunities to serve beyond campus, whether by tutoring local students, helping at a food pantry, or supporting a nearby community garden. Acts of service connect you with people of all ages and backgrounds, while also giving you a sense of purpose and perspective.

8. Say Yes to Invitations

If someone invites you to a trivia night, an open mic, or a club event, say yes! Even if you’re not sure something is your “thing,” saying yes to invitations can help you break out of your shell and feel more connected. No long-term commitment required — just give it a try.

9. Make Your Room a Place of Rest, Not of Hiding

While your room should be a cozy retreat, don’t let it become your whole world. Keep your door open when you’re in, or spend time in a common space instead. These small acts of visibility signal that you're around and open to connecting with others.

10. Look for Others Who Seem Alone

If you see someone eating alone or looking lost, invite them to join you or say hello — a simple gesture that can brighten both your days.

Final Thoughts

It takes time to feel at home in a new place, and even longer to form lasting friendships. Along the way, there may be awkward moments, unanswered texts, or invitations that don’t come. That’s part of the process, not a verdict on your worth. Give yourself and others space to grow into connection, and keep opening the door a little each day.