Can I Have a Social Life? Barry Students Navigate Campus Connections
By Oluwatoni Siyanbola
Wake up. Go to class. Complete assignments. Go to work. Study. Sleep. Repeat.
For many college students, this routine feels familiar. Between academic responsibilities, employment, and personal commitments, finding time to enjoy college life can feel like another assignment on an already overwhelming to-do list.
College is often portrayed as a time for making lifelong friendships, attending exciting events, and creating unforgettable memories. But for students at Barry University, how much of that experience actually happens outside the classroom?
Events such as student organization gatherings, cultural celebrations, and recreational activities can provide opportunities for students to meet people outside their usual academic circles.
However, attending events and creating a thriving social environment are not necessarily the same thing. Students may attend an event, enjoy themselves and still struggle to build lasting connections afterward.
Others may feel that campus activities do not always align with their interests or schedules.
The Commuter Experience
For students who commute to campus, socializing can present a unique set of challenges. Unlike residential students, commuters may spend only a few hours at Barry before returning home or heading to work. Their schedules often revolve around class times, transportation and responsibilities outside the university.
When events take place in the evening, attending may require additional travel or waiting several hours after classes have ended. As a result, some commuters may feel disconnected from activities designed to bring the campus community together.
Effective time management is key,” said Tyty Sherina, a commuter and sophomore finance major. “I strive to stay organized, prioritize my academics, and make the most of my time on campus while enjoying a fulfilling college experience.
Living on Campus Doesn't Guarantee a Social Life
Residential students may have easier access to campus events, but living at Barry does not automatically create a sense of belonging. Students may spend significant time in their rooms studying, working on assignments, or communicating with friends outside the university.
Movie nights, game nights, community dinners, and informal gatherings can provide low-pressure environments where students feel comfortable meeting new people.
Darrem Odinga, a junior studying advertising and marketing, believes residence hall activities give students a chance to hang out outside of class without the pressure of having to know everyone already.
“As a residential student, I think living on campus makes it easier to meet people because you see familiar faces every day. A quick hello in the hallway can turn into a conversation and eventually a friendship. It can feel awkward showing up at first, especially by yourself, but joining in and starting a conversation can help campus feel more like home,” he said.
Still, not every student has the flexibility to attend social events.
Some students balance full academic schedules with part-time or full-time employment. Others manage internships, family responsibilities and clinical placements. For students in intensive programs, including nursing and graduate studies, academic expectations may leave limited opportunities for social activities.
Students who regularly miss events because of work or academic commitments may eventually stop checking what is happening on campus.
“In most cases, work takes priority over social activities. Balancing work and school can be mentally and physically exhausting, draining our social batteries and leaving us with little time or energy to socialize,” said Naimah Mota, a sophomore studying business management.
She believes that, as a result, students have to choose between prioritizing their personal well-being and building meaningful friendships and a sense of community.
All in all, for Barry students asking, the answer to "Can I have a social life, please?" is more than a calendar filled with events.
It should be a campus where every student has a genuine opportunity to feel connected.
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