How to Engage with Your Community

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Being a student at a big university like UT Austin can be overwhelming. You’re surrounded by thousands of other students, yet you may not run into a single person you know during a walk across campus. It can take a real effort to create situations in which you are around the same people often enough to feel connected. However, making this effort is one more way to improve your overall well-being. Researchers have found that people who take time to connect with others are happier and healthier and have lower levels of anxiety and depression. This is just as true for introverts as it is for extroverts.

 

Social connectedness is the subjective experience of feeling a sense of belonging with others. Social connection creates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional and physical well being. Both casual acquaintances and deep personal friendships contribute to your sense of connectedness and community.  There are many ways to foster social connections within your community at UT. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.

 

  • Give, share, support

Do acts of kindness and service for others. Volunteering has huge health benefits, and creates a sense of connection and purpose.You can volunteer through a campus organization, get involved with the Counseling and Mental Health Center, or give back in the greater Austin community.

 

  • Take care of yourself

If you are rested, hydrated and happy, you are more likely to reach out to others. It is okay to set aside time for self-care.

 

  • Ask for help

Research shows that people are willing to help, but won’t know that we need help unless we ask. Reach out to others when you are in need. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable with others is a signal to people that you are open to new friendships. Everyone needs a little help sometimes.

 

  • Complete the Community module on the Thrive UT app

Thrive UT is a free phone app that strives to enhance the well being all of UT students. Download Thrive UT and check out the module for Community to learn more about ways to integrate social connectedness in your daily life.

 

 Check out our discussion board and interactive activity on community!