UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

First Year Student Blog

Making Friends While Physically Distancing

Students walking with masks on while physically distancing on campus

Connecting and building relationships are important parts of your college experience, and we know how monumental this can feel just after you begin your time as a new college student. Of course, in the era of coronavirus, it is important that we continue doing everything we can so that our student body can remain safe and healthy. This means following all the guidelines put in place across campus. Although there are restrictions on physical interactions with those around, that does not mean you cannot interact at all. UW-River Falls is committed to providing a memorable, positive experience for students this year within guidelines to keep folks safe. Here are a few ways you can still create memories and get involved even in these uncertain times.

 

Getting involved virtually with clubs and organizations

Many clubs and organizations have begun meeting virtually this semester and are having regular meeting and still connecting with their communities. These groups are getting creative with how they are meeting, and still finding great ways to connect over their common interests. We know that all students are craving those in-person meetings and events together, but it is great to know that there are still ways to connect and have fun while being safe this semester. If you are not sure where to begin or what clubs are out there, you can take the New Student Interest Survey with the Office of Student Involvement and they will send you a personalized list of clubs to consider joining based off of your interests. Otherwise, you can explore their list of clubs and orgs on-campus through MyOrgs.

Attend campus events

By participating in virtual social events hosted by Student Involvement and other offices on campus, you’ll have fun AND likely spend some time getting to know others at the events. As you meet people through these events, you can make plans to connect virtually, grab meals together (physically distanced), or explore River Falls together following COVID safety guidelines.

Connect in your We Are Falcons Orientation course (first-year students)

We know—another thing to do in Canvas can feel like the last thing you want to do at the end of long day of attending classes online, but hear us out. Each week in your We Are Falcons Orientation course (WAFO), you will have the opportunity to try something new related to your success on campus, and share about yourself in the discussion post. You can get to know other students, respond, and start to find some common interests. Throughout the month of October, we will be focusing heavily on giving you opportunities to share about yourself AND connect with one another. Be sure to check in a few times a week for updates and to see what your classmates are saying.

Put yourself out there!

Although in-person interactions are limited this year, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there in your virtual classrooms, your face-to-face classrooms between periods, or even while waiting in line at the Dining Center. It’s easy for us to pass time on our devices while we are in passing times, but those can be great times to spark conversations and spark new friendships.

We know that these might not be simple solutions if you are feeling disconnected. We also want to acknowledge that even by doing each of these things, it still may take plenty of time for you to make connections. But don’t give up. You will find your people in time, whether it takes a few weeks or a little longer. If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious about making connections, please ask for help. Student Health and Counseling Services, your resident assistant, your professors, NSFP, and many others are here to support you. We can all do our part to show that together, we can make this year a great one.