How to Connect with Remote Classmates

Making friends can be tricky even in a typical school environment but adding the barrier of the screen and distance can make it almost impossible. Fret not fellow introvert, these pointers should get you well on your way to breaking the ice and breaking new ground and let you connect with remote classmates.

Participate

I know, it wasn’t exactly what you wanted to hear but it is what you should be doing anyway. Now you have an added incentive. What’s great about this (besides the fact that you’re learning, naturally) is that it helps familiarize your fellow classmates with you, so when you do reach out (which you will have to do) you’re not just a random person from class.

Reach out

Okay, so you’re concerned about coming off awkward but guess what, more than likely the feelings of reservation you have are shared by your fellow classmates who would also like to make friends. They will probably be glad they didn’t have to be the ones breaking the ice so you’re really a hero (don’t get carried away though). Some suggestions to try would be forming a group chat, study group etc. to facilitate the learning experience. And never forget that these bonds you forge may very will lead into the professional sphere after you finish school so its something to keep in mind.

Study Groups

Study groups are great for taking the formal nature of the classroom out of the equation and letting people open up a little bit more. Since the number of people in the group will likely be less than the full class the intimidation of volume is softened which gives people more space to let their guards down.

If there isn’t already a study group, you can take the lead and start one. The frequency and focus of the groups are dependent on the needs of the course and your fellow classmates but it is a win-win as it helps better equip you for the classes and it offers an opportunity to “meet” people.

Attend Events

It is important to take the opportunity to attend any sort of networking events hosted by your school/course/program. Whether it is a guest lecture, job or internship fairs it’s a great opportunity to connect with your colleagues. Student meetups are also a great opportunity to interact because you know that the people attending are also there to make connections themselves.

Lasting Connections

When the term or course winds down to its closure you want to try to convert some of these into lasting bonds. You want to try to take some of these out of the classroom setting by connecting on social media or seeing who might be carrying over to your next classes in the upcoming terms. If you happen to be in the same area with anyone, encourage a meetup while staying aware of their responses. If they aren’t open to the idea then it’s best not to force it. Keeping things in perspective, if all you leave with is one friend its more than you started with.

This post was written by Abdulhakeem Yusuf. Abdulhakeem is the content writer at SOC Online Academy. He has over 6 years of professional writing experience.

If you are interested in using these tips to connect with remote classmates and learn at SOC Online Academy, Go here to learn how to apply.