As college seniors, we have learned many things from our years at USD that we wish we had known when we started. The first year of college is full of big changes, which can be challenging. 

One of the most anxiety producing parts of starting college is the task of making new friends. 

Friends are essential to get through the highs and lows of college. From study partners to roommates, there are many forms of friendship. However, forming and navigating these relationships can be tricky. Four seniors who have lived through it share their advice. 

‘Don’t rush it’

The summer after my first year of college, I went to the dentist in my hometown. She asked me how college was going and if I liked it. I said yes. But then she asked, “Have you found your people?” That question made my heart sink. 

I responded that I had, because I didn’t want to have a deep conversation while my mouth was wide open, but I knew I hadn’t yet. 

College is one of the best opportunities you will ever have to make friends. Living, going to class and working with people your age gives the chance to form connections without having to go out of your way to meet people. But that does not mean that it will always be easy. 

There is a lot of pressure on first-years to find their forever friends in college. My first semester, I did all the things you are supposed to do in order to make friends. I spent time with my roommates, went to different club meetings and talked to people in my classes. And I did make friends, many of whom I am still very close with as I begin my senior year. But in the first four months of college, I did not feel like I had found my “forever people,” my “bridesmaids” or any of the other friend-related clichés. 

First-years have a lot going on.  Learning how to live on your own and take college classes is enough to deal with. Don’t worry about meeting your best friends on the first day, week or semester. 

During orientation, you might meet some people who you will be friends with for the rest of your life. You will also meet plenty of people who in a year, you will just smile as you pass each other on the Paseo.

Anjali Dalal-Whelan

Associate  Editor 

‘Get uncomfortable’

Early in the summer before coming to USD, I decided to take a risk and attend a pre-orientation retreat. I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet people and make new friends before classes even started. Easier said than done. 

During one of our sessions with our student leaders, mine offered advice. “Find comfort in the uncomfortable,” he said. Well I made an uncomfortable decision and was definitely uncomfortable — I just felt like I didn’t belong. Everyone seemed so different than the people back home. 

When I got to campus my discomfort worsened. I felt wildly out of place 3,000 miles away from home. And despite my attempts, I just never made great friends. By the end of the semester, I was ready to call it quits and transfer to my state school.

 However, I remembered that little piece of advice and hoped it would provide some comfort for spring semester. I figured I could give it my all and get uncomfortable.     And  if that didn’t work, I’d cower back to Virginia. 

I hate to admit it, but being uncomfortable worked. I took risks that I was too scared of my first semester. I joined clubs, became involved in my major and made my best decision — joining The Vista.

So the greatest piece of advice I can give is to get uncomfortable. I’m not saying be dangerous or disregard caution, but try the things that interest you even if you’re scared of a room of people you don’t know — you never know how it might change your life.

Emma Pirhala 

Managing Editor  

‘Leave your door open’ 

I   was    the  only student in my year to  attend USD from my high school.  So, I knew that I needed to put myself out there and make new friends. I was determined to.

OLÉ! Weekend provided a great introduction to my graduating class, but it can be a very passive time. You’re constantly meeting new people, learning new names and faces, so you’re bound to forget most of them by the time school starts. But, there is a piece of advice that I was constantly given before starting school — leave your door open. 

When you’re hanging out in your dorm room, leave the door propped open, especially during the first few weeks of school. In your hall, there is a constant flurry of students walking by, hungry for the same desire for connection and friendship that you have. A few people are bound to stop by and say hello, and an open door is a welcome invitation for others to do so. 

An  open door can lead to new friendships, new conversations, and new perspectives. As a senior, I still have fond memories of seeing open doors and stopping by to strike a  conversation when I was bored. An open door can lead to spontaneous invitations to plans and new, formative experiences; an  adventure  around campus, a beach day or      sharing a meal with people you’ve never met before.

An open door shows others that you have an open mind. Of course, only do this when you are in your room to avoid theft, but other than that, it can be a great way  to start off your first year.

Lara Dominique Solante

Copy Editor

Leaving your dorm door open is a great way to meet new people.  Riley Rains/The USD Vista

‘Be your own best friend’   

My first impression of USD was the University Ministry Pre-Orientation retreat. I loved it and met great people there. However, the retreat could not last throughout the entirety of my first-year. A few weeks in, I was faced with the reality of not fully feeling comfortable with the people that I was around. I chose to stick around for a while because I felt like there was nothing that I could do. After a week or two of feeling uneasy, I found a friend who felt the same way and we both began to branch out.

I thought that if I left those friends,  it     would be the end of the world. Well, for like three weeks it felt that. But now, as a senior, I am so thankful for the people I didn’t stick around with. They forced me to find the things that I was interested in and invest in that instead. One of those things being The USD Vista. 

While  I  believe  it is important to try to  find a few good friends, I think it is crucial to be  thankful for  the  friendships that didn’t last too. Once I began putting myself in rooms that I wanted to be in, the people that I was looking for surrounded me. 

Lauren Ceballos 

Editor-in-Chief  

Everyone has a different journey to forming meaningful friendships in college. Navigating these relationships can be tough. However, these friendships are ultimately one of the most rewarding parts of college and life. 

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed section are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.

Toreros found enjoying a Saturday with new friends at KIPJ’s Garden of the Sea. Lauren Ceballos/The USD Vista