Wizz App survey finds college students lean on social apps to make friends

A Wizz App survey of 12,402 U.S. college students found that 60% felt held back by shyness in their first week on campus, while 72% said an online first connection led to a real relationship. The findings point to social apps becoming a key bridge for Gen Z students trying to build community in college.

Why it matters: - College students are arriving on campus without a ready-made social circle. - The survey suggests social apps are becoming a practical tool for first-year students who want to make friends without the pressure of a cold introduction. - A majority of respondents said online connections can turn into real-world relationships, which raises the role of apps in early campus social life.

What happened: - Wizz App released a Back-to-School Survey of 12,402 U.S. college students ages 18 to 24. - The survey focused on how Gen Z meets new people during the first year of college and how apps shape that process. - 60% of students said shyness or nerves stopped them from introducing themselves during their first week of college. - 42% said that happened more than once.

The details: - 63% said they did not know how to start the conversation. - 43% were afraid the other person would ignore them or be unfriendly. - 35% did not want to seem desperate. - 34% felt like other students already had their people. - 30% were not sure what to say after “hi.” - 64% said they had only vague ideas about making connections on campus. - 52% said they used a social app to meet people on campus. - 72% said connecting online or through an app before or instead of a cold in-person introduction led to a real connection. - 34% said the online-first approach worked better than approaching someone in person. - 38% said it helped break the ice. - 48% said the app gave them significantly more confidence. - 37% said the app gave them somewhat more confidence.

Between the lines: - The results suggest first-year college socializing is still hard even in a digitally connected age. - Students appear to want a lower-pressure way to begin friendships, especially when they are new to a campus, a city, and a schedule. - Wizz App is positioning social discovery apps as a bridge between online introductions and offline college life.

What happened on campus: - In September, Wizz App ran a campus activation at Rutgers University as a pilot for its college program. - Student ambassadors from Rutgers' film department captured photos, video, and street interviews with students about meeting new people. - Wizz App also joined a Spin and Sip Matcha icebreaker for students. - The company ran seating takeovers on around 50 Rutgers University buses.

What's next: - Wizz App plans to build on the Rutgers activation as part of its college program. - The company is aiming to keep helping young adults start conversations at their own pace and carry those connections into campus life. - Wizz App COO Alexandra Ryabova said the company sees a first message as an easier way to make that first hello happen.

The bottom line: - For many U.S. college students, social apps are no longer just for browsing. They are becoming a first step toward finding community.