With the physical restrictions that come with COVID-19 precautions, forming new friendships on a college campus is more difficult than ever, but getting involved at the University of North Georgia is a great way to make connections with your peers.
On and around UNG’s campuses, there are multiple opportunities for students to get involved, build community, and make new friends despite the struggle of smaller classes and social distancing during the pandemic.
In Dahlonega, Revive is a Christian college ministry sponsored by Christplace Church based out of Gainesville that meets on Thursday nights at 7 at the Dahlonega Marketplace on the square. Anyone and everyone are welcome, though the target-audience is Dahlonega students.
Coffee is provided at every gathering and there is plenty of time to socialize before and after the worship sessions and lessons.
Kasey Bell, Next Generation Coordinator at Christplace church and leader of Revive shared, “College is a huge transition. The friends you make in college become like family. Revive wants to be a place where students find community and support in a time where that’s not easy.”
The Revive ministry also offers small group opportunities for students to form close-knit relationships with other Revive-goers.
About a 30-minute drive from either the Dahlonega or Gainesville campus, The Living Room meets on Wednesday nights at 6:30 at Browns Bridge Church in Cumming, GA.
Every Wednesday at The Living Room, there is a worship session, lesson, and then time to meet with a small group. Meals are provided at every gathering.
The Living Room’s website says, ‘College can be an isolating experience. It’s possible to be surrounded by people and still lonely. There aren’t many places where you can experience meaningful community and have honest conversations about the deeper issues of life.” The Living Room offers that meaningful community through large group and small group meetings.
Team Leader of The Living Room, Krystal Cox stated, “One of our sayings is, ‘Home away from Home.’ We hope that students will feel connected and get plugged into a potential small group.”
Joining a sorority or fraternity could be a great way to meet new people and establish new friendships. Greek life has adjusted to the COVID-19 restrictions and precautions but is still in full swing.
“Joining a sorority is a great way to meet new people who can become life-long friends,” according to Senior Ryann Carter, a history major and member of Alpha Gam on the Dahlonega campus.
Carter shared, “My experience has given me friends who have been there through the highs and lows of the last four years and it’s been a huge blessing to meet so many people. You get thrown into an organization with 100 plus people, so it’s easy to find someone who has something in common with you, which I’ve loved!”
There are countless groups and organizations on all UNG campuses. Some groups may even go along with your major or give you experience in a career that you may want to pursue.
A junior and marketing major at the Gainesville campus, Anh Tran, shared her experience with the Nighthawks Entertainment group on campus. Tran shared that Nighthawks entertainment, “hosts students events and is commonly known for events and collaborations such as the Spring Fling.”
Tran said joining a group like Nighthawks Entertainment is great for, “building better connections with the student body, faculty, and staff,” as well as going hand-in-hand with her study of marketing.
A visit to the student involvement office on your campus can get you plugged into a group or organization that will allow you to make new friends and possibly get experience in your desired field of study.
COVID-19 and its bringing of a new way of life have taken a toll on college students all over the world, but opportunities to get involved and build community with your peers are available. Get out there and see where you can get plugged in!
