Posted on August 1, 2026 | Student Tips

Making friends as a college student can feel challenging- especially if you’re new to campus, juggling classes and work, or naturally introverted. Luckily, both UW Madison and University of Iowa in Iowa City offer plenty of tools, events, and strategies to help you connect with others. Here are some practical ways to grow your social circle on campus and throughout your city.

1. Campus Matchmaking & Social Events

Structured campus events are a great way to meet new people, even if you’re busy or introverted:

UW–Madison

  • Wisconsin Welcome (August 29–September 20, 2026): A series of events designed to help new and transfer students get to know Madison, their classmates, and campus life.
  • DataMatch (February): A fun, low-pressure matching program that connects students based on shared interests, majors, and hobbies. Participants can indicate whether they’re looking for friendships or romantic connections.

University of Iowa

  • On Iowa! Welcome and Connection Week (August 16–22, 2026): A week of activities for new and transfer students, featuring late-night events, group challenges, and campus immersion experiences.
  • Engaged Hawkeyes Week (Late August): A series of casual social events, including movies, fairs, and student organization showcases designed to help students connect with one another.

Tip: Go with an open mind- even just chatting with one or two people can spark a lasting connection.

2. Try Friend-Focused Apps

If your schedule is busy or you’re introverted, apps can help you meet like-minded students:

  • Friend Bumble: Find friends nearby with similar interests at both Madison and Iowa City campuses.
  • Meetup: Search for groups in Madison or Iowa City by hobbies, sports, volunteering, or gaming.
  • Nextdoor: A helpful way to find neighborhood events, volunteer opportunities, and community gatherings, especially if you live off campus.
  • Local Reddit groups: City- or campus-based subreddits often share events, casual meetups, and interest-based hangouts.

Tip: You don’t have to jump in right away- following, saving events, or commenting occasionally can lead to low-pressure, in-person connections.

3. Join Clubs, Organizations, or Study Circles

Joining a student organization is one of the easiest ways to meet people consistently:

UW–Madison

  • Hundreds of student organizations covering academic, recreational, cultural, political, and special-interest topics.
  • Student Organization Fair (September 9–10, 2026)

University of Iowa

  • The Student Activities & Organizations database includes groups focused on everything from music and theater to volunteering and gaming.
  • Student Engagement Fair (September 2, 2026)

Tip: Don’t overcommit- just show up, engage, and focus on building a few meaningful connections.

4. Use Classes as Social Opportunities

Your classes provide built-in opportunities to meet students who share your academic interests.

  • Exchange notes with classmates.
  • Invite someone to a study session or coffee break.
  • Connect with lab partners or group project teammates outside of class.

Many long-term friendships begin through shared coursework and regular interactions.

Tip: Consistency matters- small gestures like follow-up messages or meeting once a week can turn classmates into friends.

5. Explore Apartment & Residence Communities

Whether you live on campus or in off-campus student housing:

  • Take advantage of common spaces like lounges, patios, and kitchens to meet neighbors.
  • Attend community events in your apartment building or student housing.
  • Introduce yourself to neighbors when the opportunity arises

Tip: Keep a casual icebreaker ready. Ask about a shared amenity, suggest a game night, or compliment someone’s décor to start a conversation naturally.

6. Leverage Your Local City

Both Madison and Iowa City offer vibrant social scenes beyond campus:

  • Visit local coffee shops, trivia nights, and board game cafés.
  • Attend farmers markets, art fairs, concerts, and seasonal festivals.
  • Participate in volunteer opportunities and community events.

These activities can help you meet people outside your immediate academic circle while becoming more connected to the local community.

Tip: Be sure to check community event boards, often located near the entrance of local businesses.

7. Start Small, Be Consistent

Friendships take time. Focus on small, repeat interactions- saying hi to neighbors, attending one weekly club meeting, or following up with a classmate.

Over time, these small steps grow into meaningful connections and lasting friendships.

Tip: Prioritize quality over quantity. A few genuine friendships can have a significant impact on your college experience.

Final Thoughts

Making friends at UW–Madison or the University of Iowa doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you attend campus events, use friendship-focused apps, join student organizations, or explore your local community, there are countless opportunities to connect with others.

Start small, stay consistent, and remember that many students are looking for friends, too. With patience and a willingness to put yourself out there, meaningful friendships will follow.