At SEMO, we work to build a thriving online community, creating a fun and fulfilling experience for our students. With a little effort to put yourself out there, online learning can be just as social and rewarding as learning on campus. This blog will answer your questions and break down simple ways you can connect with fellow students.

How do I make friends in college online? 

There are many avenues that can be taken to connect with your peers online. The easiest way is to utilize your school email. At SEMO, we make it easy for you—all you need to know is your classmate's name. This is a great start to contact those in your classes. You can ask for social media handles or phone numbers from there.  

Here are 3 options for next steps for making friends online in college:

1. Make a group chat to discuss assignments and classwork. 
2. Have a study session before test day. 
3. Host a virtual hangout.  

By taking initiative, you’re ensuring steps are being made towards friendship. 

The most important thing when trying to make friends virtually is not to give up. There are so many people online and endless opportunities to find those with similar interests. If you don’t mesh with the classmate you’re currently talking to, find other people.  

How can I talk to classmates online without feeling awkward? 

Be yourself. Even if you feel like you're inherently awkward, acting out of your character won’t serve you. Most people find talking to strangers at least a little uncomfortable. It is normal— especially when you can’t see body language or facial expressions. Embracing yourself and being confident is your best bet.  

If you are wondering how to start a conversation with classmates online and need a jumping point, pay attention to who’s active on the class forum. At SEMO, we offer classes of 15-20 students for more personalized instruction and the opportunity to foster meaningful relationships. You’re not drowning in a sea of students; use this to your advantage. Speak up. Answer their questions and discussion posts. Then, reach out to them personally to talk about an assignment. Build relationships through your classwork to make things less awkward.  

How do I join online communities? 

Getting involved in a community can be an effective way to build relationships. Group gatherings, in person or online, all have the same goal of getting people together. Take your previous experiences and adapt them to the online world. You’ll find that it is not all that different.  

Here are two ways to join online communities: 

How to use social media to meet classmates: 

Social media platforms are great for making connections and staying in the loop. Here are two ideas on how to join the SEMO community as an online student. 

1. Follow the University’s social pages to stay up to date on events and directly connect with other Redhawks. SEMO’s pages are constantly updated with content for you to interact with. Actively participating in SEMO’s social media community can provide the base you need to make friends online with your peers. 
2. Facebook groups and community Discord servers can also be an opportunity to find new friends. If you can’t find what you’re looking for online, create it yourself. Chances are, you’re not the only person seeking space to connect.  

How to join clubs as an online student: 

There are so many clubs at SEMO that would love to have you as a member even if you aren’t there in person. Participating in a club meshes you with like-minded people who want to have an involved college experience.  

Next steps for joining clubs as an online student: 

1. Check if they have any online members by seeing if they offer zoom as a meeting location or finding out if any of their events included virtual participation. If they don’t have online members already, that is ok too. 
2. Reach out over social media or school email and express your interest. Advertise yourself as a worthy addition to their club.  
3. If they don’t have virtual participation set up, ask if you can help get it started. Offering to help is a quick way to get involved and meet people. 

To those who aren’t chronically online, the digital world can sometimes feel foreign and hard to navigate. But getting to know your peers remotely is simpler than you think. As long as you’re open to new avenues of building a friendship, you’ll find your people.  

Confident in starting your online journey or looking to transfer? The SEMO Online community is the perfect place to continue your education and find friends to enjoy the ride with you. SEMO Online Support and Student Services would be happy to answer any questions you may have.  

Ready to join a rowdy close-knit online world? 

 Apply to SEMO