Making Friends as a Sophomre Transfer?

Zelda_Fitzgerald
Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:04:50 +0000

I highly doubt anyone who cannot speak English would be admitted to USC, especially transfers. Perhaps they were just shy?

It’s easy to meet people if you’re outgoing and get involved. That’s my best advice. Have you son attend the involvement fair and find some student organizations that cater to his interests. There are huge intramural sports teams, especially the ultimate frisbee and rugby teams, and I am sure your son would meet people if he tries out for one of those sports. They aren’t NCAA sports and are more like clubs, but you do play students from other schools.

There are also student organizations based on ethnicity, major and other interests. There might be several your son would make a good addition to.

He can also get an on-campus job that would make him work with his fellow students. I suggest USC ReadersPlus or Campus Cruiser since they are more “student” run than the office jobs many USC students get. Also, the Bovard student workers tend to have a pretty strong camaraderie.

One of my friends who was a sophomore transfer met most of her friends by joining the radio station. By proxy, her friends from the station introduced her to their other friends, who introduced her to their friends, etc etc etc. Even those who started at USC as freshman meet new people ALL THE TIME! That “bonding” nonsense is a bunch of crap. USC has thousands of students, which means that there’s ALWAYS someone to meet. My friends freshman year were NOT my friends senior year. Once you leave the dorms, who you hang out with really changes.

I really don’t think this is something to worry about. If he’s really hesitant, he can always rush.

Finally, I really want to stress that your son shouldn’t be judging his roommates before he actually meets them. OK , they like board games – but I like board games, too. And sometimes, I like quiet time – but does this mean I’m an awkward social outcast? Hardly. I bet some of his apartment mates would like to play basketball or go to the beach as well! If he doesn’t click with them, he should still be respectful and friendly so no problems arise. CG is large and he will probably make friends with the kids in the neighboring units anyway.