How to Meet People in College

You got into college, but most of your friends are probably not with you. That's okay, you can meet new people that will share your college experience with you.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Meet your roommate. It's a good idea to try to be friends with your roommate first. You'll be living with them and you need to start off on good terms. While unpacking, get to know each other. Set some ground rules. Afterward, explore the dorm together. It's easier to meet new people when you're with someone else.

2. Meet your neighbors. They'll be great to have around so that you don't have to go down the the cafeteria by yourself, find out about a cool party or event or spend a night in the dorm having a movie night. Plus, when you're studying, you'll have a better chance of getting them to turn the music down if it's too loud.

3. Meet your RA. Your resident adviser (RA) is the first person you go to if you have a problem or conflict. It's a good idea to get to know them. Ask them to go to dinner with you and your roommate.

4. Leave your door open. If you're studying in your dorm or just watching TV, try keeping your door open. This makes you seem more inviting and sometimes people will pop in to talk to you.

5. Be aware that people generally tend to sit in the same spots in classes. Because of this, you'll be sitting by the same people all semester. It's a good idea to talk to them when you can. These are the people you'll be asking for notes when you miss class and forming study groups with when the class becomes overwhelming.

6. Join clubs and organizations. Many colleges and universities have a student live night. These are meant for students to learn about all the different clubs and organizations on campus. You can talk to a few members and learn what they are all about. There is a club out there for everyone. Look for things that you enjoy or that you always wanted to try. These are people that share the same interests so you'll have a good shot at getting along with them.

7. Get to know your fellow employees. If you have a job, getting to know the other people that work there is also important. You'll be associating with them during breaks and off hours. Plus, if you need to find someone to cover your shift, it can only be easier if you're on good terms with the fellow workers.

8. Go to school events. It might be the big game, a cultural festival, a play or even a open-campus lecture. Wherever your interests lie, you'll be able to meet people at the events. Just make casual conversation about what's going on.

9. Study in the library. If you choose studying in the library over your dorm, you'll have a better shot at meeting someone. Sit at a table and start studying. Take breaks once in a while and get up to stretch your legs. This is a good time to talk to people who are doing the same thing.

10. Stay out of your dorm between classes. If you have an hour or two between classes, consider sitting outside if the weather is nice. There's just something about being outside in the sun that makes people easier to talk to.

11. Try chatting with the person in front of or behind you when you get coffee. It will make the line go faster and if you don't have anyone to sit with, you can sit together and continue your conversation. This person may only be someone you only talk to once or even your coffee buddy, but you never know. They might become your best friend.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't force a conversation. It's easy to recognize that a conversation just isn't going anywhere. Find an excuse to leave, but don't be rude about it.

• If you don't know what to say to someone, ask them where they're from or what their major is.

• Find a common ground. Once you find something you have in common with another person, you'll have something concrete to talk to them about.

• Try not to upset your roommate or neighbors. First impressions are what most people base relationships off of, and if you have a bad first impression with the people living closest to you, you'll be in for a difficult year.