Huskie Guide

Finding Friends

At NIU, good friends aren't hard to find.

NIU is a close community, which means you don't have to look far to find friends. Being active on campus, both inside and outside the classroom, is the key to developing lifelong friendships. Dive in and find your community by taking advantage of the numerous organizations, clubs, spaces, activities and events that are available.

Try these tips:

Meet people from different cultures, countries and backgrounds by living on campus. Start by getting to know your roommate and the people living on your floor.
Build friendships with students in your classes by regularly attending class and seeking out study buddies through our Study Buddy finder in Navigate Student.
Visit the Holmes Student Center, Founders Memorial Library, East Lagoon or many of our other common spaces to meet new people while relaxing or studying for class.

Hear It from Huskies

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?

“I've connected with other students through group projects in classes, attending campus events and getting involved in different organizations like Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Omega Delta Fraternity. These opportunities have helped me meet new people, make friends and work together to succeed in school.”

Devon Smith,
operations and information management major

“I make friends by sitting near others in class, joining discussions and starting conversations about sports or TV shows. Volunteering and clubs helped, too. I would suggest finding some interesting hobbies, that way you have more chances of meeting people who also love the things you enjoy. ”

Taoheed Adeoye,
honors biological sciences major

“In my first semester, I really struggled with making immediate connections. I made it a goal to make at least one friend in each class and to get their phone number. I made friends going to the Rec Center to play sports like volleyball. Once I finished my prerequisite classes, nursing school brought me to my closest friends.”

Zoe Hougas,
nursing major

“During welcome week, use your free time to your advantage and go to everything you can, speak to every person you meet, exchange contacts with people and just put yourself out there. You never know who will become your closest friend at the end of the semester or who will carry on with you into your adulthood, so be open and friendly to everyone.”

Sengshavanh Xaypharath,
communicative disorders major

Breaking the Silence

Sometimes knowing what to say is the hardest part of meeting someone new. Here are some questions you can ask to get conversations started when you meet new Huskies:

Where are you from? What is something interesting about your hometown?
What are you looking forward to most about being in college?
What is your major? Why did you decide to pursue that area of study?
What classes are you taking? Which one are you most excited about?
Have you discovered any interesting spots on campus?
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?

Keep Exploring

Explore all our Huskie Guides on topics that matter most to your success at NIU.