Starting college is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. If you’re coming to the University of Maryland without knowing many people, you’re not alone. Every fall, thousands of freshmen and transfer students arrive on campus looking to make new friends, find their community and settle into college life.
The good news? Your first semester is one of the easiest times to build new friendships because everyone else hopes to do the same thing.
Whether you’re living on campus or in an off-campus apartment like Rambler College Park South, these tips can help you meet people naturally and make the most of your first semester.
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1. Leave Your Room (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)
One of the biggest mistakes new students make is spending too much time in their room.
Friendships usually develop through repeated interactions. The more often people see you, the more likely conversations happen naturally.
Instead of studying in your bedroom every day, try:
- Working in the library
- Studying in your apartment’s lounge
- Hanging out in common areas
- Eating meals with classmates at the dining hall
- Spending time on McKeldin Mall between classes
Even small interactions can turn into lasting friendships over time.
2. Join at Least One Student Organization
One of the fastest ways to meet people with similar interests is by joining a student organization.
The University of Maryland has more than 800 student organizations, covering everything from academic clubs and professional organizations to club sports, cultural groups and volunteer opportunities.
Instead of trying to join several organizations immediately, pick one or two that genuinely interest you and attend meetings consistently.
Students who regularly participate often build stronger social connections than those who only attend occasional campus events.
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3. Say Yes During the First Few Weeks
The beginning of the semester is full of invitations.
Someone asks if you want to grab lunch.
A classmate invites you to study.
Your roommate wants to attend a football game.
Even if you’re naturally introverted, saying “yes” to these opportunities can introduce you to dozens of new people.
You don’t have to attend every event, but being open during those first few weeks can help build friendships that last.
4. Introduce Yourself Before Class Starts
It sounds simple, but introducing yourself to the people sitting nearby is one of the easiest ways to make friends.
Try asking questions like:
- “What’s your major?”
- “Is this your first semester?”
- “Have you taken a class with this professor before?”
If the conversation goes well, suggest studying together before the first exam.
Many college friendships begin with someone simply making small talk.
5. Spend Time in Shared Spaces
Whether you live in a residence hall or an off-campus apartment, common areas are designed to bring people together.
At Rambler College Park South, students often spend time in shared spaces like the renovated lobby, coffee shop, fitness center and study areas. These spaces make it easy to run into neighbors, start conversations and build friendships outside of class.
Even working on homework in a shared lounge instead of your dorm or apartment can lead to meeting someone new.
6. Go to Campus Events
Throughout the semester, UMD hosts dozens of events including:
- First Look Fair
- Homecoming Week
- Maryland football games
- Outdoor movie nights
- Cultural celebrations
- Late night programming through Stamp Student Union
These events create relaxed environments where meeting people feels much more natural.
7. Build a Routine
Research suggests that friendships often develop through repeated interactions rather than one-time conversations.
Creating a consistent routine, visiting the same coffee shop, studying in the same location or attending the same fitness classes each week increases the likelihood of seeing familiar faces and starting conversations over time.
Read Next: How to Build a Weekly Routine That Works in College
8. Don’t Worry If It Takes Time
Some students find their closest friends during orientation.
Others don’t meet their core group until the middle of sophomore year.
Both experiences are completely normal.
It takes time to develop meaningful friendships, and it’s common to feel uncertain during your first semester. Keep showing up, introducing yourself to new people and saying yes to opportunities. The connections you make gradually often become the strongest ones.
Living Near Other Students Can Make Meeting People Easier
Where you live can also influence how often you interact with other students.
Communities like Rambler College Park South are designed specifically for student living, with shared amenities, study spaces, fitness facilities and social areas that naturally encourage residents to meet one another outside of class. Having common spaces just steps from your apartment can make it easier to maintain friendships, organize study sessions or simply spend time with neighbors after a busy day.
Starting college comes with a lot of unknowns, but making friends doesn’t have to feel impossible. By staying involved, putting yourself in shared spaces and being willing to start conversations, you’ll give yourself plenty of opportunities to build meaningful connections during your first semester.
If you’re still deciding where to live, explore Rambler College Park South’s floor plans and amenities to see how off-campus student living can help you stay connected to campus and your community. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our leasing team at Rambler College Park North or Rambler College Park South. We would be happy to help answer any questions you may have.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: September 15, 2026
Last Updated On: September 8, 2026
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