4 ways to make college friends while distanced
You did it! You made the decision, you applied, you got started with your classes, but now you’re learning from home and wondering how you can get to know other students and connect to make new college friends.
While we can’t meet up together in person like we used to. We are still finding all sorts of ways to connect as a college community.
1. Join clubs and groups
Through the pandemic a variety of Clubs and Groups have been operating and connecting regularly, offering students ways to meet new people, try new activities, and get involved with projects and/or their local communities.
Club and group leaders “are really thinking of different resources that can be attained by different students at different times all around the world” says, Clubs and Communities Coordinator, Sienna Benson. Currently, all active clubs and groups have online components whether it’s Facebook groups, discord servers, or zoom meetings so that they can connect easily no matter what campus they are affiliated with or where they are learning from. Any club or group being created right now will continue to offer their online components even as we return to in-person gatherings which will allow students from all campuses to continue to collaborate and meet.
Current clubs and groups include: Algonquin College Esports, AC Early Learning Society, Tabletop RPG Club, AC Music Club, Algonquin Sustainability Club, Algonquin College Social Group, Leading for Change, Indigenous Youth Health, and The Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour (BIPOC) Student Society.
Check out the full club listing and meet some new friends!
Do you have an idea for a new club or group you’d like to start? Applications are available here!
2. Attend Student’s Association event
Join Algonquin Students in facing off against other colleges in weekly virtual esports tournaments. Hosted through We Got Game! a different game is played each week on a rotating schedule. Upcoming tournaments include Smash Bros, Among Us, FIFA 21 and Fortnite!
How is your trivia knowledge? Put it to the test with the Students’ Association monthly Pub Trivia night and prove yourself the ultimate Trivia Champion! Game is hosted live through Zoom at 8pm on the second Tuesday of the month.
3. Check out wellness and equity events
The Wellness and Equity Centre is a safer space, welcoming all students of Algonquin College, no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, disability status, or any other factors. The Wellness and Equity Centre is focused on student well-being, and all the factors that can impact that.
Chat with peers, ask questions or play games in a relaxed and safe atmosphere, every Tuesday from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
4. Attend student support services events
Whether you’re looking for academic help or other support, interested in social events or activities, or seeking job or volunteer opportunities, you’ll find the information you need through Student Support Services.
Looking for a welcoming and safe space to have frank discussions and get your questions related to sexuality, sexual health, consent, kink, dating, mental health, and substance use answered by professionals? Sexual Violence Prevention and Harm Reduction Coordinator, Sarah Crawford and Counsellor, Patti Hancock, host Hot Topics bi-weekly on Tuesdays from 6-7pm.
A monthly conversation to spark ideas and create community at Algonquin College! Through the winter semester the theme for these sessions is “Explore”. Every month will feature a new neighbourhood in Ottawa to introduce the Algonquin College Community to their neighbours, build community, and support local businesses. The featured shops, spas, boutiques, stores, restaurants, bars, will offer insight into their industry, speak to what makes them unique, and share their experiences as a small business owner.
So get out there and find your new college best friends! Supports are important especially through tough times and trying out new opportunities that interest you can lead to meeting like-minded people and building lasting friendships!
