Struggling To Fit In At College? Don’t Panic!
If you’ve started college and can’t seem to find where you belong, there is no need to panic. You are not alone, and many other students will be feeling the same way as you do. Making new friends can be unnerving and doesn’t come naturally to us all. While some people find it easy to strike up conversations and build relationships, many of us don’t even know where to begin. Having friends during your time at college can make it a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. So rather than avoiding new people, it’s time to start making friends. Here are some simple ideas that can build your confidence and help you develop a friendship group in no time.
Use a conversation starter
If you’re unsure what to say when meeting someone for the first time, try using a conversation starter. These can come in many forms but encourage interactions. You can give compliments about someone’s appearance or ask where they bought a particular item from. Talking about the weather or a TV show can also help you learn more about someone. Even your clothing can be used as a way to start conversations. You could buy a shirt or cap with your sorority name on from the Something Greek clothing store. This will invite people to talk to your about events your sorority is holding, making it easier to meet people. If you’re still finding this difficult, there are conversation starter guides you can use
Do your studying away from your room
While your room is likely to be the main place for you to study, don’t confine yourself to it too often. Spend time in your dormitory living area, head to the library or visit a local coffee shop. Anywhere that is comfortable and has a decent internet connection can become a study area. As well as providing you with fresh air and a change of scene, it also gives you the opportunity to meet new people. Whether it’s the staff in the coffee shop or other students, make an effort to say hello and start a conversation while you study.
Look for on-campus job opportunities.
Getting a job at your college campus can be a convenient way of making some extra money. But it can also be a simple way of networking and meeting new people. On-campus jobs can range from library assistant to student counselor. They usually involve plenty of interaction with both the staff and students. It shouldn’t take long for the people at your campus to recognize you and feel comfortable talking to you. The continual interaction is also likely to make you feel more at ease when talking to new people. Look at your college website or social media pages to see what jobs they currently have available for students. Just make sure that the job you apply for doesn’t disrupt your study or class schedule.
There’s no denying that talking to strangers can be awkward and challenging, to begin with. However, the more you do it, the easier it will become. Some of these friendships may even last a lifetime but if you don’t try you will never know.
