Tip of the Month: Tips for Finding Your Peeps

Forming connections can sometimes be difficult, especially on a bustling campus. You may be wondering at times if your peeps are even out there! Despite how challenging it may feel, finding your people involves discovering and investing in those already around you. Check out these tips to begin forming connections today.

Tips for Forming Connections

1. Start with Your Interests: Whether it's sharing a hobby, music taste, or even your major, finding individuals that align with your interests and passions can make it easier to cement an initial bond. Your classes or workplace are good places to start developing connections.
2. Be Open-Minded: Don't limit yourself to people who are exactly like you. Shared interests are indeed a great starting point, but diverse perspectives can also enrich your life and broaden your horizons. Be open to meeting people from different spheres and with different viewpoints. 
3. Be Authentic: When trying to connect with others, be genuine and authentic. Show interest in others, listen actively, and share your experiences and thoughts. Authenticity builds trust and helps form deeper connections.
4. Ask for Help: When was the last time you helped someone and felt good after? By asking for help, you create a genuine moment for connection. Whether asking someone to grab food, redecorate your room, or help you prepare for an exam, find moments to interact with others. 
5. Attend Campus Events and Gatherings: Check out Stanford Events and the Office for Student Engagement for upcoming events, workshops, and performances that spark your interest. These gatherings, and others, provide a casual and fun environment to meet new people and build connections. 
6. Join Clubs or Organizations: Whether it's a book club, a sports team, or a student organization, joining a group can help you meet people who share your passions and values. These groups can help you find your community and create a sense of belonging:
   • CAPS Groups and Workshops: Facilitated by CAPS staff, these groups and workshops focus on a variety of mental health and well-being topics and offer a safe space to share your experiences and get support from your peers along the way. 
   • Office of Student Engagement: This office houses and manages all the student organizations on campus- there are over 600! 

Building meaningful connections takes time, so be kind to yourself, practice patience, and avoid getting discouraged. Making connections is not easy! Continue to be brave by putting yourself out there. Eventually, you'll meet your people, form your circle (big or small), and find your place on campus.

Resources

Stanford Resources

• Well-Being Coaching: A Well-Being coach can help you cultivate the internal and external resources to live a healthy, vibrant life, manage stress, shift your beliefs and behaviors, and form meaningful connections with others. Book a session today.
• Community and Belonging at Stanford: Explore the vibrant student communities on campus, including Cardinal Recovery, Centers for Equity Community and Leadership, the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life, Weiland Health Initiative, and more!
• Connectedness & Health: The Science of Social Connection Stanford Medicine: Learn more about social connection, the benefits of high connection, the dangers of low connection, and how you can boost your social connections for your mental health and well-being.  
• Nurturing Your Mental Health: The Power of Connections The Flourish, How is Life Tree(ting) You?, February 2024: Discover the benefits of connection on mental health and well-being, and how you can begin fostering relationships that last.
• How to Find Your People Stanford Magazine: Discover 4 strategies for building and strengthening your community.