Dear Expie... Words of Advice — Mid-Semester Blues

Dear Expie,

I’m a freshman at MSU, and I’m struggling to find ways to connect with other people with all the social restrictions. It feels like there’s no way to meet new people or get to know them. How can I make new friends?

-Frustrated Without Friendship

Dear Frustrated,

Being a freshman is always tough. Even if you’re a confident extrovert, starting at a new school is a minefield of new social interactions and relationships. While we’re several weeks into the school year, it can still be difficult to hold onto friendships through the stress of midterm season even in the best of times. Of course, COVID-19 has ensured that this is not the best of times. With masks and social distancing restrictions in place, now is a great time to turn to alternate ways of forming connections.

First off, MSU has nearly three hundred distinct clubs for everything from tabletop gaming to accounting. The full list of student organizations can be found here: https://montanastate.campuslabs.com/engage/organizations. Many clubs are meeting online or following other social distance regulations, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t meet new people who share your interests through these organizations. Keep trying new things until you find your people.

Next, don’t be afraid to talk with people in your classes (while respecting their space, of course). Midterms are difficult for all of us, and it’s likely that they want someone to complain with just as much as you do. Although masks make it a little tougher to understand facial expressions, there’s no restriction on conversation!

Lastly, don’t forget about your friends back home. Use FaceTime, Skype or a simple phone call to keep up with the friendships you already have. You may be separated by distance, but that doesn’t make your friendships any less valid or important. These connections are already strengthened by time and can give you some support when you’re feeling lonely at MSU.

Dear Expie,

What’s the best way to de-stress this semester? A lot of the stuff I normally do, like hang out with friends, isn’t really an option right now. I can’t really go out very much either. How can I release some of the tension I’ve been feeling lately?

-Suffering from Stress

Dear Suffering,

It’s a great time to get back to basics! While COVID-19 has prevented many of us from doing the activities that we used to love to do in big groups or close contact with others, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun.

One of the best ways to safely de-stress this semester is to get outside. Social distancing can be much easier when you’re outside, and the chances of spreading the virus are much lower. So go for a hike! The combined relaxation of feeling safe and getting some exercise will help to lower your stress levels. If you’re a little more adventurous, think about climbing one of Bozeman’s many peaks or going skiing once the first snow hits.

You can also try new forms of relaxation on your own. There are tutorials for yoga and meditation exercises on YouTube and plenty of other online platforms. In addition, MSU has a website on Wellness Coaching that has resources for stress here: http://www.montana.edu/oha/wellnesscoaching/index.html.

Don’t be afraid to try new creative pursuits, either! Experiment with painting, writing, singing or baking to find out what draws out your artistic side. At the end, you’ll have both something beautiful (or delicious) as well as a sense of pride in your work. Good luck!

That’s all for this week, folks! Stay safe, be kind, wash your hands and wear your masks.