The easiest ways to meet people before college are your school's class Instagram page, your admitted student group chats, a roommate finder like MeetYourClass, admitted student days and orientation. Post an intro early, follow classmates who share your interests, and move the good conversations to a call or a meetup before move-in day.
You don't need to show up on campus with a best friend. But knowing a few faces makes the first week a lot less scary. In our 2027 College Decision Playbook survey, 49% of students said they tried to meet their class before committing to a school, and 86% did before move-in. You're far from the only one looking.
Here is how to actually do it, step by step.
Post an Intro on Your Class Instagram Page
Most schools have a "Class of" Instagram page where incoming students post a photo and a short intro. It's the closest thing to a digital yearbook for your class, and it's where most people start.
How to Post
Find your school's class page, then submit a few photos and a short bio. On MeetYourClass, you create a free profile, pick your school and submit your post. It goes into a line and gets posted in order. Posting is free.
What to Put in Your Intro
Keep it short and specific. Specific details give people something to message you about.
- Your name, hometown and intended major
- Two or three things you're into, like a sport, a show, a type of music or a hobby
- Whether you're looking for a roommate
- Your Instagram handle so people can follow you
"I love hiking and I'm looking for a roommate who doesn't mind early mornings" gets more replies than "I like hanging out with friends."
Is Your Class Page Official?
Many class pages are run by students or outside companies, not the school. Some charge you to post. Check who runs the page before you pay anything. Read who runs class Instagram pages to learn how to tell the difference.
Join Your Class Group Chats
Group chats are where the real conversation happens. Most classes end up with a big main chat plus smaller ones for majors, dorms, sports and interests.
You'll usually find links in your class Instagram page's bio or highlights, in your school's admitted student portal, or inside the MeetYourClass app. If you can't find one, comment on your class page and ask. Someone always knows.
Once you're in, don't just lurk. Say hi, share where you're from and reply to other people. The people who post in the first few weeks become the people everyone recognizes. Our guide to finding your class group chat walks through every place to look.
Use a Roommate Finder, Even If You're Not Looking
Roommate finders are built for searching your class by interests, which makes them one of the best ways to meet people in general. On MeetYourClass you can filter your incoming class by major, hometown, interests and sleep schedule, then message people directly.
Even if you already have a roommate, searching for people in your major or people who play the same sport is a fast way to find your future study group or intramural team.
Go to Admitted Student Days and Orientation
In-person events are where online friendships turn real.
- Admitted student days happen in the spring. Go if you can, and message a few classmates beforehand so you have people to find.
- Summer orientation is usually in small groups, which makes it easy to talk. Swap Instagram handles with everyone in your group.
- Pre-orientation programs like outdoor trips, service programs or move-in week events are some of the best ways to make close friends, because the groups are small and you do something together.
Find Your People by Interest
Big chats can feel overwhelming. Smaller groups built around one thing you love are easier.
- Join chats or Discord servers for your major, your dorm or your sport
- Follow your school's clubs on Instagram and DM the ones you want to join
- Look for people from your state or hometown who are going to the same school
- Ask in your class chat whether anyone wants to start a group for something you care about
What to Say in Your First Message
The hardest part is the first message. Keep it simple and point to something specific.
- "Hey! Saw your post on the class page. I'm also from Ohio and planning on studying bio. Are you doing the summer orientation in June?"
- "Hi, I noticed you play club soccer. I'm thinking about trying out. Do you know when tryouts are?"
- "Hey! We're both looking for roommates and it sounds like we have pretty similar schedules. Want to hop on a call this week?"
Ask a question at the end, so they have something easy to answer.
Stay Safe When Meeting Classmates Online
Most people you meet will be exactly who they say they are. Still, a few habits keep you safe.
- Don't send money to anyone you meet online, including "deposits" for housing
- Keep early conversations on the platform where you met, rather than moving to a new app right away
- Video call before you commit to living with someone
- Meet in public places the first time you meet in person
Our staying safe guide covers the red flags to watch for.
A Simple Timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| December to March, as decisions come out | Follow your school's class page and join the main group chat |
| March to April | Post your intro, message a few people and go to admitted student days |
| By May 1, when you commit | Start looking for a roommate and join smaller chats for your major or interests |
| Summer | Meet people at orientation, set up calls with your roommate and plan to meet in person |
| Move-in week | Go to every event you can and say yes to plans |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make friends before college if I'm shy?
Start online, where you can take your time. Reply to posts in your class group chat, comment on intros that catch your eye and message one or two people who share an interest. Small conversations add up, and by move-in you'll recognize people.
Is it weird to message people before college?
Not at all. Almost everyone is doing it. Incoming students post intros specifically so classmates will reach out.
Should I room with someone I met online?
Lots of students do, and it works out well when you talk first. Ask about sleep schedules, cleanliness and guests before you commit. Our questions to ask a potential roommate are a good place to start.
What if I don't click with anyone before college?
That's completely normal. Most people make their closest friends after they arrive, through their dorm, classes and clubs. Meeting people early just makes the first week easier.
Are there apps to meet people going to my college?
Yes. Class Instagram pages, GroupMe and Discord chats, and MeetYourClass are the most common. MeetYourClass lets you search your incoming class by interests, find roommates and join your class group chats in one place.
