Creating a closer community on campus

Mathias Martinez, an international student, describes the obstacles he had to overcome at Hofstra. // Photo courtesy Kenny Forman.

College can often be an exciting time for many students. At a university like Hofstra, which is home to over 10,000 students, it can sometimes be hard for students to feel comfortable being a part of a large environment.

There are some adjustments when it comes to attending college, especially for international students.

“The first challenge I faced was the language,” said Mathias Martinez, a junior marketing major from Perú. “It’s not that I’m bad at talking in English, but I feel more natural and don’t have to force myself to think about what I’m about to say in Spanish.”

Martinez is one of over 900 international students from 80 different countries, according to the university. 

Although Martinez considers himself a very sociable person, he feels the need to get more used to the language before he can attempt to make more friends.

Even for non-international students, making connections can feel intimidating.  

“It’s kind of just hard to approach people,” said Adam Moalem, a freshman marketing major. “There’s not too many events to make friends around here.”

Other students feel it is easier for freshmen to make friends.

“Throughout the first few semesters it felt like it was a lot easier to make friends than it is in the current semester,” said Francisco Reyes, a sophomore finance major.

Professors have noticed that some students are struggling to make connections on campus which are outside of the classroom.

“Sometimes by bad luck, even if they’re living in the residence halls, they don’t manage to meet the right group of people,” said Craig Johnson, an associate professor of psychology. “That could cause more people to become more lonely and isolated.”

Students can also have difficult experiences meeting new people because of underlying mental health issues.

“Often it is the case that students are working to make social connections in tandem with the experience of anxiety,” said John C. Guthman, the executive director of Student Counseling Services and adjunct professor of psychology.

Guthman recognizes that anxiety is a common issue, but he also believes Hofstra provides opportunities for students to make more connections. Many students agree with Guthman.

“Join more clubs, get involved, talk to people about anything and you can make a connection with someone,” said Erin Green, a junior dance major.

Hofstra currently has 220 clubs and organizations for students to get involved with. To encourage more students to get involved in clubs and events, the Student Government Association (SGA) has planned more inclusive and eventful occasions. 

“In the 85th Senate we observed the difficulty of friendship making and going into the 86th and now in the 87th Senate we have worked to provide events that allow for students to meet and greet each other and create friendships,” said Will Germaine, president of SGA and senior community health major.

SGA encourages students to join the current clubs, but suggest that brining your creativity to campus may help more people connect.

“There are hundreds of clubs and organizations on campus, and I am sure there is something there for everyone,” said Justin Fountain, the SGA comptroller and a sophomore physician assistant studies major. “On the slight chance that there is not, you can easily create a club that caters to your interests.”