Have you ever dreamt that one day you will find people that make you feel like you belong? Or perhaps have you found them already?
Let’s celebrate the International Day of Friendship on 30th July together!
“Many people will walk in and out of your life but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
What is a friendship?
Friendships is more than knowing someone’s name and seeing them everyday. They are bonds that are created between two or more people who want to engage with one another. According to Britannica, friendships are most always characterised by companionship and shared activities. This companionship can help you gain emotional support and social confidence.
How can we build friendships?
We should always remember that making friends and finding people you could connect with will take time and might not have immediate results. An important start is to build up your courage and trust the process of getting to know others better!
Amazing tips on building friendships could be:
- Approach someone you feel comfortable and natural with
- Taking the initiative and start the conversation first
- Show interest by asking them questions and being a good listener
- Share more about yourself and shine through your personality
- Always be genuine and patient with others
Also, watch this short animation that explains 9 positive ways to build meaningful friendships.
How do we maintain healthy friendships?
Once we have established our friendships with others, we have to cherish them as good friends who understand you are difficult to find.
Here are several ways to do it:
- Increase your willingness to open up to others and share intimacy
- Make intentional decisions about how we want to show up and care for others
- Managing conflict by emphasising on repairing the friendship and solving the issue together
- Proudly show affection to your friends and make sure they know that you care!
Here are a few activities to explore for your friendship journey!
Flowers for Friendship event by APRS UNSW (Advertising & Public Relations Society)
You can buy and send a flower for a friend who you care and most absolutely appreciate! Also, include a message to brighten their day and make them feel loved! This is available on Wednesday 31 July from 11am-4pm at Quadrangle.
Chinese Garden of Friendship at Darling Harbour
The Chinese Garden of Friendship was built in 1988 as a symbol of friendship between Sydney, New South Wales and the city of Guangzhou in the province of Guangdong, China. It is a wonderful place to relax with beautiful landscapes of traditional gardens and pavilions. You can also invite your friend to enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine and weekend Yum Cha inside a restaurant in the garden.
The Friendship Alliance
The Friendship Alliance is a collaboration working to reduce social isolation and loneliness. They primarily share resources and advocates health impacts through events such as online conferences.
Introducing Jolin! Jolin is one of our THRIVE Interns, and she will be writing a lot of these articles during her internship. We are so excited to have Jolin join our Student Wellbeing Team, and she is just as excited to be able to write some articles and support her peers throughout their UNSW College Journey. Below, Jolin shares some advice about friendships and starting your UNSW College Journey.
Student Profile
Name: Jolin
Role: THRIVE Student Intern
What are you studying at UNSW College?
I am currently in my last term of my Diploma in Business at UNSW College. For my second year, I will continue my Bachelor of Commerce degree with a double major in Information Systems and Business Analytics.
What are your top 3 tips for making great friendships while studying at College?
- I think going out of my comfort zone and being open to new opportunities helps me connect with the new people that I end up building great friendships with
- A good start is approaching people with similar interests and sharing your experiences with them
- Always take the initiative to reach out first and try to engage with them through meaningful conversations and activities
Do you have any advice for new College students?
Don’t be afraid to reach out for support because there are many staffs and students that are willing to provide you advice with your new journey in UNSW College!
Featured Events
THRIVE Thursday – Champion of the Hill Table Tennis Competition
Date: Thursday 1 August
Time: 12pm – 5pm
Location: Courtyard, Level 1, L5 Building, UNSW College
Fortnightly Program
UNSW College Movie Club event – Cool Runnings
Date: Friday 2 August
Time: 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Location: Room W301, Level 3, L5 Building, UNSW College
Bike n’ Blend
Date: Wednesday 7 August
Time: 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Location: Courtyard, Level 1, L5 Building, UNSW College
UNSW College Movie Club event – Race
Date: Friday 9 August
Time: 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Location: Room W301, Level 3, L5 Building, UNSW College
Resources
