10 Creative Ways to Stay Connected with Your Classmates Right Now
Missing the energy of in-person classes, group projects, and cafeteria chats? Whether you’re adjusting to remote learning, attending a school in a different time zone, or simply craving more interaction with peers, staying connected with classmates doesn’t have to feel impossible. Here are ten practical (and fun!) ways to bridge the distance and keep those friendships thriving.
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1. Organize a Virtual Study Group
Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams aren’t just for lectures. Set up a recurring video call where you and classmates can review notes, prepare for exams, or work on assignments together. Make it interactive by sharing screens, using virtual whiteboards, or splitting into breakout rooms for smaller discussions. Bonus: Create a shared Google Doc for real-time collaboration.
Pro tip: Add a “coffee break” segment to mimic casual hallway conversations.
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2. Host a Themed Movie Night
Turn a regular movie night into a shared experience. Use apps like Teleparty (for Netflix) or Scener to sync playback and chat while watching. Pick a film related to your coursework (think historical dramas for history buffs or sci-fi for STEM students) or go for pure fun. Bonus points for trivia games or themed snacks!
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3. Join (or Create) a Class Discord Server
Discord isn’t just for gamers. Many students use it to build class-specific servers with channels for homework help, memes, and off-topic banter. Share resources, post reminders, or start voice chats for quick questions. Custom emojis and bots can add personality to your server.
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4. Play Multiplayer Games
Video games aren’t just a distraction—they’re social tools. Casual games like Among Us, Jackbox Party Pack, or Minecraft let you strategize, laugh, and bond. Even non-gamers can enjoy apps like Words With Friends or online board games (e.g., Catan or Monopoly via Tabletopia).
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5. Start a Class-Wide Photo Challenge
Create a shared Instagram story or WhatsApp group where everyone posts daily or weekly photos based on prompts: “Your study setup,” “Favorite snack during lectures,” or “View from your window.” It’s a low-pressure way to stay updated on each other’s lives and spark conversations.
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6. Plan a “Parallel Walk” or Outdoor Hangout
If local guidelines allow, coordinate a time to meet classmates at a nearby park or café—even if you’re in different locations. Share photos or video clips of your adventures afterward. For a quirky twist, synchronize walks while listening to the same playlist or podcast.
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7. Collaborate on a Creative Project
Work together on something unrelated to school. Examples:
– A collaborative Spotify playlist with everyone’s study jams.
– A digital yearbook with Canva or Google Slides.
– A TikTok or YouTube channel documenting your class’s inside jokes.
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8. Try Virtual Fitness Sessions
Staying active is easier with friends. Host a live workout via Zoom—think yoga, dance tutorials, or even stretching breaks between study sessions. Apps like Nike Training Club or Peloton also offer group challenges.
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9. Schedule Random Check-Ins
Sometimes the simplest gestures matter most. Send a quick “Hey, how’s your week going?” message to a classmate you haven’t spoken to in a while. Use apps like Marco Polo for asynchronous video updates or voice notes to stay in touch without pressure.
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10. Attend (or Organize) Virtual Social Events
Many schools host online game nights, talent shows, or alumni talks. If your class lacks these, take the lead! Host a trivia night, cooking demo (burned cookies included), or “show and tell” where everyone shares a meaningful item from home.
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Final Thoughts
Staying connected with classmates isn’t just about fighting loneliness—it’s about building a support system that helps everyone thrive academically and emotionally. Experiment with these ideas, mix and match them, and don’t be afraid to ask peers what they’d enjoy most. After all, the best solutions often come from teamwork… even if that teamwork happens from behind a screen.
What’s your go-to method for staying in touch with classmates? Try one of these strategies today and reignite those classroom connections!
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