Nearing the end of my junior, I have had quite the college experience. There have been difficult times but the positives genuinely outweigh the negatives.
We attend college to gain a degree but we take away so much more. The bulk of tools and lessons I have learned in my three years at my university, I did not learn in the classroom. I will however use those same lessons in my career field and in my work environment.
Undoubtedly, my favorite part of college has been meeting new people. Not just friends but acquaintances and organization “foes” have taught me a lot about my interpersonal skills, others, and myself. Here are a few tips for diving into my most loved aspect of college—meeting new people.
1. Smile — it makes you more approachable.
It’s scary to just walk up to someone you don’t know and strike up a conversation, but it’s even worse when that person is off brooding in the corner somewhere. A simple genuine, not forced, smile makes you much more accessible, simple as that. When you look like you’re happy and having a good time, people start wanting to have a good time with you.
2. Get out of your dorm room.
The more you get out, the more chances you’ll have to meet new people. Instead of eating alone in your room, go to the dining hall where you’re much more likely to find someone to chat with or actually attend your RAs programs. Talk to that random person in the study room. Sometimes the most mundane tasks can become the easiest icebreakers and friendship starters.
3. Branch out from your old high school group.
Don’t throw out anyone who is important to you, but don’t be afraid to branch out and meet people from other zip codes.
4. Become involved
Find clubs, intramural sports teams, and other groups to join. Not only will it make you feel more connected to your school, but it will allow you to meet people with similar interests, opinions, or beliefs.
5. Be open-minded
When you get to college, just know that you’re going to meet people completely different from anyone you have ever known, and that you may or may not agree with those people. Part of what I love about having such a vast array of friends is that no one is a carbon copy of anyone else, and I can learn something from everyone. Even if you don’t decide to become friends with those people you should at least treat others with respect, and recognize the beauty in our differences.