How to make friends

O•N•L•I•N•E

Are you studying online?

Are you fearful that if you keep referring to yourself in

the third person, or continue to talk to your imaginary

friends, that your loved ones might become even more

concerned about your lack of human interaction?

Finding friends and study comrades when you start your study online can be pretty scary. But a

fellow student at the other end of your computer might just help to make your study experience

a lot more enjoyable.

Whether you are talking on forums, webinars or even social media about your studies, you may

find yourself not only sharing your study experiences, but also your favourite food, and you may

even share a virtual coffee.

Online communities aren’t just for asking study questions, they’re an opportunity to help each

other and celebrate successes. Perhaps your online peers won’t be able to provide you with a

physical hi-five when you have achieved a goal, but they can send you an emoticon (smiley face)

or even a mental hi-five.

Another reason we commonly see people holding back from making friends online, is that

people think they have nothing to say.

Perhaps you could take on a persona, put yourself in their shoes

and build up your self-confidence to take on the cyber world.

We encourage the use of Joey’s

go to line “How you doin?”.

Not just in your studies but

balancing assessments with

everything else you’ve got going on.

Start a conversation in the

social discussions.

Take on the mother hen role and

introduce people. Start a discussion

thread about where you live and

get the ball rolling.

Joey

Monica

Start intelligent conversations –

perhaps refrain from discussions

about palaeontology (dinosaurs).

Why not share your passion and

insight into an article that you have

just read.

Share your experiences.

Talk about the funny things that

kids, friends or even parents say

about your study.

Ross

Rachel

Say something goofy. Have you

heard a good study joke? Share a

video or even a meme that made

you giggle. Passing on a laugh

always goes down well.

You could prepare a musical snack

or find things you might have in

common: twins, phobias of pigeons

or even your favourite football

team. Let people see there’s more

to your study personality.

Chandler

Phoebe

usq.edu.au

No matter who your online persona is, remember to have fun with it. The

people on your discussion forums and social media channels could become

your ultimate study buddies. So invest some time in getting to know

them. Just because you study online doesn’t mean you have to be distant.

CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 13.2.D 08.2014