Friendship & Fun: Rediscovering Connection with Retro Recess Games

Imagine we could go back to the good old days where making friends was as easy as saying “do you wanna be my friend?”

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A world where making friends was as simple as asking, "Do you wanna be my friend?" — a time when connection wasn’t clouded by algorithms, social status, or technology. Just pure, straightforward human interaction. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like the simplicity of friendship has been lost, replaced by superficial social media interactions and

carefully curated personas. But what if we could bring back that genuine, fearless approach to building relationships? What would it look like to recapture the joy of forming bonds with nothing more than a smile and a question?

Of course everyone wants friends.

Everyone, at some point, longs to make new friends. Whether it's to feel a sense of belonging, share experiences, or just enjoy someone's company, the desire to connect is universal. I remember one of my Carlson professors telling a story about students who came from overseas and often asked for advice on which groups to join. While he offered suggestions, he also emphasized that potential friends are everywhere. In fact, during that class, he asked how many students wanted more friends—and every single hand went up. It was a reminder that we’re all searching for connection.

Having friends is important.

Friends contribute to endless aspects of living that can play crucial roles in our mental health at times. Friends are those who support us during tough times, keep us grounded, and give us a sense of belonging as we navigate through this thing we call life. A review of 38 studies found that adult friendships significantly predict well-being and can protect against mental health issues such as depression and anxiety (Frontiers in psychology, 2023).

We know what it's like.

Justin: Going back in memory, high school paved a way for friends in college. I joined the men’s volleyball club and met some great people. I knew no one at the time and had to muster up courage. I made small talk with a person named Tyler and we talked here and there throughout school. They were more acquaintances than friends due to COVID putting our friendship on pause. I graduated and forgot about him. Eventually, a random person messaged me asking if I wanted to join their volleyball team for UMN intramurals. I accepted and asked how they knew me. Turns out, Tyler from high school had connected us together and recommended me to play with them. Ever since then, I’ve continued to play open gym volleyball, basketball, attend club events, and lease an apartment with great roommates, all because of one person. It doesn’t take much. But it does start from someone sparking up a conversation.

Naomi: Finding friends can feel exhausting, but it doesn’t always have to be. Sometimes, the best friendships form naturally. How I met my college roommates, who are still my best friends as a senior, is a great example. During Welcome Week, I felt the pressure we all have experienced to meet new people. After being randomly invited to a party, I was on my way to get ready when I ran into a group of girls in the elevator. On a whim, I invited them to join me. At the party, I didn’t see the original group who invited me, but I found the girls from the elevator, and we instantly clicked. They’ve been my closest friends ever since. What seemed like a daunting task turned out to be as simple as a 30-second conversation. That’s how I met my roommates—through a random introduction, their follow-through, and now, a lifelong friendship.

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Want new friends? Of course you do!

Here are some ways you can connect with other students on campus within Carlson and outside of it:

• Student Organizations

  • Different Student Sport Clubs

    • Running Club

    • Climbing Team

    • Intramurals

  • Carlson Student Organizations

    • Student Marketing Association

    • Women in Business

    • Atlands

• Utilize study spaces and dining halls, and connect to housing neighbors

• Attend campus events

• Make friends at sporting events

Making friends at this age can be hard. It makes us long for the good old days when making friends was as simple as just asking "Do you wanna be my friend?" No judgment, and no pressure. In reality, the majority of us are all looking for more friends and it can be a lot simpler than it seems. On October 16th, from 10:00-11:00, Imagine We Could is bringing the good old days back to the University of Minnesota. Come stop by the mall for some nostalgic recess games and snacks, and the perfect opportunity to make another friend.