You’re not alone if you’re feeling lost with uni at the moment. Whether you are a first year or a fourth year, now more than ever it is difficult to connect with each other- especially our classmates, peers and friends. Who would have thought we would miss those awkward ice-breaker activities, being stuck in a 2-hour class together or making small talk during a 5-minute break!?! With COVID, and lockdown Stage number 1..2..3, wait 4, I know you’ve been thrown in the deep end and I want to help you swim your way to life-long friends (via the best way possible- The MMSS of course 💜).

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We are currently living in a time where we technically should feel more connected than ever… but this also means it is easy to feel overwhelmed with online work, online uni, being home with family, and many texts and DMs from friends to respond to! And especially now when there aren’t any on campus classes, and everyone’s Zoom cameras and microphones are off – building friendships and relationships have become more complicated (if they weren’t already).

So, let me (attempt) to help you make friends at uni because it doesn’t need to be hard work, even though at the moment it seems more daunting and requires more effort. In fact you might find some of your future best friends at uni… or at least someone to help you with an assignment (for which you’ll be eternally grateful)!

Therefore, here are my two top tips to make friends in this virtual world:

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1. Join clubs (virtually) that you are interested in (Hint…The MMSS):

Firstly, congratulations because if you’re reading this then you’ve found the best club on campus- THE MMSS – and therefore, you are already well on your way to new beautiful friendships! The MMSS has a number of benefits to help you connect with other students who are feeling the same way as you. Feel free to post within the MMSS Facebook Hub (join HERE). The Hub is a community of like-minded Monash marketing students to chat, ask questions and have fun. It can be anything from assignments related to life related! For example: “Can I get some advice on how to make my virtual zoom background look cute?”

The MMSS also has official Unit Group Chats where you can connect with students who are doing the same units as you. Within the Hub there is a post where you can vote for the Unit Group Chat(s) you wish to be added in to. These Chats will allow you to ask questions, get advice, send memes and have awkward small talk that you’ve missed from not being in the classroom (Oh, and bonus, most committee members have already done HEAPS of marketing units so feel free to reach out to any of us to get help with that assignment you’re cramming!).

Additionally, connect with the MMSS on our Facebook (follow us HERE) and Instagram page (follow us HERE). Our socials will also allow you to stay up-to-date with all the events we have coming up, as well as featuring Instagram take-overs and stories of what committee members are doing in isolation. Always feel free to send us a message or send us a DM, we are all willing to help where we can and love making new friends. We are only a message away! 

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2. Put yourself out there and maybe even ask people to chat…

Ok, before you run away, hear me out. I know virtual hang outs are way more daunting than IRL (or maybe that’s just me?). Despite our fears, there are a number of good apps out there where you can (safely) meet new people (and I don’t mean Tinder).

Some of these can include:

• Join a Facebook group with similar interests to you like the MMSS Facebook Hub or ~cool dog group~ (you never know who you might meet)
• Join House Party (if it’s not hacked, make sure you check first)
• Schedule in Zoom or FaceTime calls with your friends and family (make it a habit i.e. every Sunday night at 7P)
• Consider doing activities with your friends over Zoom this could include yoga, exercise, quiz night or even a Netflix Watch Party 
• Ask your friends to join in calls and activities with their other friends (we are all feeling a bit of isolation and would all love seeing some new faces)
• The more groups you join that are related to your interests the more likely you are to find people similar to you

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So, while it’s a pretty daunting time in the world right now, we are all going through it together. Literally everyone is stuck at home with more spare time than ever. Give it a go and challenge yourself to make a new friend this second time round of lockdown! Post in the Hub, join a Unit Group Chat, follow us on our socials or message an MMSS committee member for unit help. Go and put yourself out there (but not literally, please stay home and stay safe 😊) 

Good luck finding new friendships online. All the best, Georgia (GB) x 

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Are you looking for your next internship, job or a graduate opportunity? If you are an MMSS member, head to the MMSS Jobs Hub to see all the opportunities that are available to you from over 40 featured companies. Enter the Jobs Hub HERE.

Are you looking for inspiration and want to hear the stories of our own MMSS alumni and their career experiences? The 2020 MMSS Careers Book is an invaluable asset for students seeking to pursue a career in marketing, providing you insights, tips and advice. Read the 2020 Careers Book HERE.

Are you looking for your go-to place for all things marketing and uni-life related? The MMSS Facebook Hub is a community of like-minded Monash marketing students to chat, ask questions and have fun. Join the Group HERE.