Gathering Season: Building Communities and Connections Around Auburn

At Auburn University, community isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life.

Being an Auburn fan is often described as being part of a family. There is forever a distinct sense of belonging that ties every Tiger together. Whether you’re just grabbing food, going to football games, or joining clubs, you are bound to meet people that will be your lifelong friends. Every connection around Auburn will remind you that you are a part of something bigger than yourself.

Though every Auburn student differs in age, grade, and community, their experiences ultimately lead to the same strong sense of connection.

My Experience As a Freshman

I am currently a freshman at Auburn, and I was terrified of moving away from home and starting college. I was afraid of making new friends and building connections with people around campus. In just a short time, I’m already surrounded by more friendships and connections than I ever imagined. I am involved in a sorority, started a new job, and I’m constantly meeting new people in my dorm building. When I moved in, I had no idea that my roommates and neighbors would turn from strangers into my best friends. If I could give advice to anyone struggling to make connections, it would be to never be afraid to put yourself out there and talk to everyone, because you never know who your next best friend will be. Connections often start in the most unexpected places.

Explore Stories of Auburn Students:

Name: William Roland

Grade: Sophomore

Community: BYX Fraternity

Finding a group that is right for you may not always be easy, but it’s important not to give up on finding your people. William, who was looking for a Christian group to get involved with, didn’t find his place until after experiencing a few different clubs.

“Before I found BYX, I attended many introductory meetings for other organizations and Christian clubs on campus, and I did not give up after the first few attempts” he wrote.

But now that he found the place he belongs in, he shared, “Being in a social fraternity has allowed me to get involved in social events and meet my closest friends that I otherwise would not have the opportunity to meet.”

By staying persistent, William discovered the friends he could truly rely on.

For those still searching for belonging: William says to “stay consistent in your search. In the end, it’s all worth it.”

Name: Elaina Wyatt

Grade: Junior

Community: Architecture

Not every student finds their community their very first year of college. It wasn’t until her second year at Auburn that Elaina truly found her people — the friends she made while working closely with her architecture group. She mentioned that she created friendships that she never knew she could have amongst her peers.

Elaina explains that finding her community “has truly helped Auburn feel like home.”

Elaina’s message to those hoping to build community: “Always keep an open mind about where you can find community in Auburn!”

Name: Ryan Thompson

Grade: Sophomore

Community: Auburn Outdoors

Students joining communities are often connected by common interests and desires. Ryan, who works at Auburn Outdoors, was immediately drawn there because of his love for camping, backpacking, and simply just being outside.

He explained, “even though everyone works in different majors and stages of life, we are all bound by a love of the outdoors and a passion for getting people outside, which is super special.”

After growing closer to his coworkers, he said it made Auburn feel much smaller and far less intimidating. Ryan also noted that he’s met so many people, including students in higher grades that act like mentors and great influences. His favorite part about the job is extending this community to allow others to be involved as well.

Ryan commented, “Being able to help others experience this as well is truly incredible.”

What Ryan says to anyone figuring out where they belong: “Trust the process.”

It’s easy to be overwhelmed at the first meeting, but you will eventually find so many people to call your friend.

Name: Riley Jackson

Grade: Sophomore

Community: Dance line

You’ve seen her sparkle on the field at football games, and now you get to know her story.

Riley explained, “I was inspired to join dance line because I wanted to find a community of people that shared my love of dance”.

Her passion may have led her to the team, but it’s the friendships she’s built there that have truly made it meaningful. She mentioned that each girl on dance line has added to her college experience, and she shared “I have built close friendships that I know will last.”

Riley’s advice for students seeking connection: “Join as many clubs as possible, this will help you find a community of people you belong in.”

Name: Greyson Markwald

Grade: Freshman

Community: Business Fraternity

At Auburn, everyone can find a community that aligns with their interests and passions. Greyson is a member of the fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, a co-ed business fraternity that focuses on developing its members into principled business leaders.

He mentioned that “it was an opportunity to meet new people and gain exposure to interview and real-world experiences.”

Joining this group has helped him form connections throughout the school and meet so many new people, alongside hundreds of other members.

Greyson’s reminder for anyone feeling a little lost: “Don’t hesitate to try something new, odds are you will be happy you did it."

Connections That Last

At the end of the day, it’s the people who make Auburn what it is. The friendships, support, and sense of belonging students find here create a community that lasts long after graduation. As the students said, put yourself out there and take risks in joining new clubs or teams because you never know who you will meet. No matter who you are or what you enjoy doing, it is always possible to build strong and influential connections. This gathering season, gather the people that you will have long-lasting friendships with. Fall in love with friends, find a community, and make the most of your time here in Auburn.

Be Well, Auburn.