Sep
17
Attending a university for the first time can be an intimidating experience: You’re in a new place without your usual security blanket of friends and family members. The following is a list of the top ten tips for making new university friends and how to meet people in general.
1. Be Friendly
You may be nervous or even a little sad because you miss your old life, but you don’t want this to show. If you look depressed or glum all of the time, people won’t want to meet you let alone be your friend. Be sure to be friendly when you meet new people: smile, shake their hands, and give them a reason to remember you in a positive light.
2. Participate!
The first couple of weeks of university are a transition for every new student and not just you. Thus, most universities have events for new students. Don’t shy away from these events. You don’t have to attend each and every one, but you want to attend enough so that you can get to know the other students. Go to the freshers fair, look around the stands, allow yourself to be attracted by the banner stands with the most striking images and think about joining those societys. Even if you don’t stay in them, if it turns out you don’t like them later on, you won’t have known unless you tried it first.
3. Meet Your Neighbors
If you live on-campus, get to know your neighbors. Introduce yourself to people when you see them in the hall or bathroom. Keep your door open and spend time with your neighbors.
4. Join Campus Organizations
Join a club or society at your university. This will make making friends easier, as you’ll know who has similar interests.
5. Attend Lectures
University, believe it or not, is about academics. Studying or caring about one’s academics can help you make new friends at school. Join study groups, ask your peers for their thoughts on your classes, and take the time to attend university-sponsored lectures.
6. Try a Sport
If you join a sport, you’ll have a built in team of people who are there to support you. Most universities have a variety of sports, and if you look around, you could find one that’s not only right for you and your talents but also a way to make friends with people.
7. Get Involved
Universities have student unions, student governments, and committees that allow students involved to get involved with the governance of themselves and the creation of university policy. Get involved with committees, student government, and learn the university’s policies.
8. Volunteer
Give back to your university and your community by volunteering your time. Not only will you might ethical like-minded people, but you will be helping your community and are sure to have some conversation-starters.
9. Don’t Compromise Your Safety
You want to make friends while at a university: You don’t want to get hurt because you were desperate for friends. Don’t go somewhere unsafe just because new friend want you to, and don’t go somewhere unsafe just because you’re lonely.
10. Stay Positive
Keep an open mind and appreciate the opportunity to meet so many new people from all walks of life. Make the best of it, and you’re bound to enjoy your experience.