Making friends at Emerson College

Emerson is a creative college in the heart of downtown Boston. The campus is not a traditional quad; it is a collection of buildings near Boston Common, the Theatre District, and the State House. The social life is built around creative projects: films, plays, publications, radio shows, and podcasts. The best way to make friends is to work on something with people.

Most Emerson students are working on something outside of class. The radio station, the student newspaper, the film sets, the theatre productions, and the comedy groups are the social engines. The fastest way to make friends is to join a production or contribute to a publication. The people you work with at 1 a.m. become your people.

Emerson's location is one of its biggest advantages. Boston Common, the Public Garden, the Common, the theatre district, and the South End are all within walking distance. Study groups, writing sessions, and casual hangouts naturally spill into the city. A weekly routine in the Common or a regular coffee shop can anchor your social life.

Whether you are an actor, writer, filmmaker, comedian, or journalist, there is a student group for you. Comedy groups, the musical theatre society, the film production clubs, and the news organizations are all tight-knit. The key is to actually show up and contribute, not just sign up for the email list.

Emerson classes are often collaborative and workshop-based. Writing workshops, film production classes, and theatre rehearsals are natural friendship environments. The people who do the best socially often build one or two class groups into real friendships by continuing to meet outside of class.

• Week 1: Introduce yourself to your classmates, especially in workshops and production classes.
• Week 2: Attend a meeting or audition for one student media or performance group.
• Week 3: Join a production, a publication, or a regular creative project.
• Week 4: Organize a casual hangout in the Common or at a nearby café with your collaborators.

• Is Emerson social? Yes, but the social life is often project-based. If you are not working on something, it can feel quiet.
• What if I am not a performer? There are groups for writers, journalists, filmmakers, designers, and behind-the-scenes roles. You do not need to be on stage.
• What is the best way to meet film students? Volunteer on a student film set. Productions always need help.
• What is the best place to study with people? The library, the campus center, and the many coffee shops near the Common.
• What if I am a transfer student? The project-based culture makes it easy to join mid-year. Find a production or publication and start contributing.