byebyeyellowsky

I posted the same thread in High School life but I was told that maybe you guys would have some better advice. I'm not shy or ugly, I just haven't taken the time to be social or to make more friends (I've had the same ones since... 3rd grade?) and I don't want to start off on the wrong foot in college.

I don't want this to be a typical CC 'HW 2 MAEK FRIENDZ!!!???///' topic but I know the first few weeks of college are pretty important an, as I said before, I think my social skills are fine but several people in high school have told my friends indirectly that I come off as a bit arrogant or mean (neither of which are true, it's just the way I walk/stand/body language, honest).

So my question is, what can I do to be more approachable or what to do when I get there? Just plopping down by a random group or people or person seems a bit awkward to me. Advice or any personal stories?


(and yeah, I know "Another poor little naive frosh" but you guys were excited when you were my age too

burgler09

You don't have to just sit down next to a group of people to meet someone new. You'll constantly be in contact with people all day, in your dorm.. leave your room open etc.. I wouldn't worry too much about making friends.. if you go away to college everyone is in the same position as you, there will always be things to do and people to meet. Just relax, stop worrying and enjoy your summer before college.. but know when you go you are going to have the most fun of your life. Don't worry about what other people tell you, just try to keep a smile on your face and you won't look arrogant.

quitejaded

You do not have to try hard to make friends. You are always meeting people by force in college. If you want to be approachable, maybe you should smile more and furrow your brows less. Curl your lashes to make your eyes look bigger (and thereby less threatening) and learn how to use white eye liner.

Actually, someteimes I plop next to some random people. LMAO. but I always have an opener. Like "Your shirt looks absolutely ridiculous, where did you get it?" and then it usually leads to "Oh, you're in ___" or "I went to ___, too"

hewey

Get drunk. Loosens you up plenty.

k314sig09

Well, my college experience has taught me this:

Be forced to work, march, PT and shower at the same time with everybody in your barracks.

Builds great camaraderie.

Bigredmed

If you're worried that your mean, then be overly nice at the beginning, then you can kind of mellow it out after the first month or so. Ask a lot of questions about other people, but don't make judgment statements. A lot of "oh that's interesting" and "how'd you decide that" sort of comments are helpful.

nontraditional

Plopping down works. Hang out in a common area in your dorm. Do some of your reading outdoors (don't plan on getting much serious work done). Get to class 15 minutes early. Go to parties or clubs that look interesting. There will be someplace where different groups have tables at the start of the year; wander down there and talk to the people at the tables.

You're going to be in an environment in which (a) a lot of other people are in exactly the same position as you, and (b) still other people are trying to recruit members of the first group to do whatever it is that they do.

If your mom takes you, try to prevent her from giving your address and phone number to a cult because she doesn't think you can make friends on your own. Wait, that probably isn't a worry for most people. (In fairness, the cult members were very nice. I just didn't want what they were offering.)

beanieboo

just smile and say hi to everyone. its rediculous how many random people you meet but just sitting down and saying hi the first couple of weeks. everyones in the same boat and looking to make friends so its not awkward at all. i wish that spirit lasted all year but some people tend to get really cliquey..

kalikula

Be friendly!! Get drunk with your floormates or go out with them!!!

I was definitely withdrawn and it *****ed up my friendships with my suitemates, though we're alright now.