Stick with Your New Year’s Resolutions: Getting Involved

The past few semesters have been challenging for students in various ways, but many students’ New Year’s resolutions include making new friends and joining more activities. Erica Nordlund, assistant director of University Programs, shared a few tips and resources to help students make new friends.

Check Out The Source

The University of Alabama is home to more than 600 active student organizations. The Source has every organization listed as well as information on how to get involved and who to contact. It also includes a list of upcoming events, news articles and much more.

Not sure you found the right organization for you? The Source and Student Life will work with you to help establish a new organization.

Come to Weeks of Welcome

Weeks of Welcome is a large series of student involvement events and activities to kick off each semester. This spring, Weeks of Welcome will be held Jan. 12-22. Nordlund said each day will showcase what the University has to offer, as well as student organization events. Get On Board Day, which will be held Jan. 25, is one of the best ways to explore student organizations and meet members. Organizations will have tables set up along with food and entertainment.

Explore Events and Activities from University Programs

For students who are unsure or aren’t ready to commit to joining an organization, University Programs has a variety of events and activities that offer camaraderie, connection and engagement.

The UP Engage series features events by students, for students, with students. The goal is to give students the chance to meet people, get involved and find a place on campus.

“One of the great things about University Programs is that we offer programming that varies on social activity,” Nordlund said. “For example, if a student wants to test the waters, a great event for them to attend would be our trivia night, which is held every other Thursday. You don’t have to register a full team to play, so it leaves an opportunity for one student to play on their own surrounded by people and engaging in conversation, or it gives them the opportunity to pair up with other students to make a team.”

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

If you’re new to campus, or looking to make new friends, the University offers several student engagement events. During a time where many things have been uncertain, social anxiety has only increased. But overcoming that anxiety takes getting out of your comfort zone or getting involved in a hobby you love.

“In my opinion, the best way to make a new friend is to do something you enjoy doing and introduce yourself to others that are partaking in the same activity,” Nordlund said. “Odds are, you will have more in common with them than just that activity. I also think that it takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there, so be sure to be kind to yourself. We’ve all struggled in this area of our lives at one point and being a student during this time is so incredibly difficult. However, as cheesy as it sounds, just be yourself and take part in things that make your heart happy. Before you know it, you’ll have an entire friend group.”

About the Stick with Your 2022 Resolutions Series

At the end of Fall Semester 2021, UA News Center surveyed students asking what their 2022 New Year’s resolutions are. We gathered the top responses and spoke to UA faculty and staff experts to bring you practical tips and advice to help you stick with your New Year’s resolutions. Find more advice on physical fitness, nutrition and mental health and wellness.