Why Having A Social Circle Is Important

Students are just getting into the world and starting to make connections that will help them. All people crave connections, and so having a social circle is very important. Social Circles and connections play a huge part in our lives and influence important factors. Having meaningful relationships with friends, peers, neighbours, and other people affects our mental health and well being. In this blog, we will explore the various benefits of having a social circle and why cultivating and maintaining these relationships is so important. 

What is a social circle?

A social circle is a group of people that you usually surround yourself with. It can be friends, neighbours, classmates or colleagues. The people from your social circle don't necessarily have to know each other and may be from different aspects of your life. A social circle gives us a sense of security, support, belonging and companionship. Social circles often come together because of common interests, circumstances and personalities; they are usually very compatible. The importance of a social circle, especially for international students, is huge. Not only does the circle provide practical assistance, but it also provides a lot of mental support as well. Face-to-face interactions regularly with people who understand you and have similar interests and ideals help us get a sense of belonging. 

What is the Importance of a social circle?

A social circle is essential for our emotional and physical well-being. Social networking and having social circles to be around and spend time with are very important for everyone, especially international students. The mental health and social factors of a person are heavily impacted by their social circles and lack thereof. Having support from friends, family, and like-minded people is an essential part of life. Some of the importance of a social circle is: 

1. Positive Influence

The social circle of a person definitely impacts the life of a person. That influence or impact can be positive or negative, and so to have a positive impact, finding the right people is very important. Our social circles can have a positive impact on aspects of our lives like habits, behaviours and choices. Their guidance and support can help us in ways we may not expect. 

2. Emotional Support

Emotional support is a very important factor for our mental health. Getting emotional support from our peers and social circle can help give us a sense of belonging and also allow us to share our experiences and feeling with like-minded people like friends and family. 

3. Reduced Stress

Anxiety and stress are things that every student goes through, especially international students. Having a strong social circle of people who understand and care can help reduce some of this stress and concern. When students feel seen and supported by their peers, coping with stress becomes easier and more manageable, and so that kind of support is needed. Here are some tips for stress management for students.

4. Increased Happiness

Spending time with people who have similar interests, likes, and dislikes can always help put us in a better mood. Sharing stories and experiences help our overall happiness and well-being improve. Spending time with people from your social circle will help you feel satisfied and happy, 

5. Improved Physical Health

Having better mental health and mood automatically puts you in a better spot physically. Even research has shown that physical health improves when people have strong social circles. A strong social circle means fewer changes of chronic diseases, faster recovery and longer lives. 

How to socialise on campus

A mix of attending events, joining student clubs and organisations, participating in activities and being approachable is needed to socialise on campus. These activities can help you make new friends and build social circles and relationships. Some students might be introverts or have difficulty socialising and so here are a few ways to help:

1. Participate in Study Groups

This is a great way to connect with fellow students and peers while also learning and studying for exams. Studying with peers have many extra benefits like improved information retention and many different methods and perspectives on how to learn. Studying and working on projects together also improves communication and teamwork and creates an environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn. By spending time with other students outside class, students can develop a sense of community and belonging on campus. Read our blog to know more about the benefits of group study. 

2. Attend Campus Events

Most universities and colleges have a wide range of campus events that take place all throught the year for students to participate in and attend. Attending and participating in these events can help you socialise and find people with similar interests who can become a part of your social circle. The events that take place usually attract students with many different interests, and so there is a diverse group of people who can become a part of your social circle. 

3. Join Student Clubs and Organizations

Joining student clubs or student communities and organisations are an amazing way to meet new people while also exploring new and old interests. Learning new things with other people can be a bonding experience and help make the social circle of students, especially international students. Students who are new to campus can benefit from this a lot, and it can also help the resume of the students for future job prospects.

How to find and join student communities

Finding and joining student communities that sync up with your values and interests requires identifying your interests, using social media and attending events. By following these steps, you can strengthen your social circle and meet new people who share your passions and interests.

1. Attend Events

Attending any kind of event related to something you might be interested in is one of the best ways to socialise. Going to a concert, lecture, or even a workshop is a great way to meet new and interesting people that are compatible with you. Networking at such events is easy and natural and will help grow your social circle. 

2. Identify Your Interests

Identifying your hobbies and interests is a very important part of finding your social circle. If you don't know what you like, it is very hard to find people who are like-minded and will be helpful and compatible. Think about your passions and what you like to do in your free time, and go from there. Join student communities related to your interests. 

3. Use Social Media

Social media is the number one way to meet new people and increase your social circle now, and apps like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and some of the bests. These sites or apps can be used to find student communities and groups with the same interests and connect with people that like the same things.

All in all, having a great social circle that supports and encourages you is very important. Not only can you help each other with basic needs, but also provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. International students especially need to build a positive social circle to have support and companionship. Having a social circle is essential for a healthy, fulfilling, and successful college experience.