What to do?

baktrax
Wed, 12 Aug 2015 22:41:23 +0000

If you’re living in the dorms with a lot of freshmen, pretty much everyone is going to be looking to meet new people and do new things. Something you can try doing during the day is invite people to try different things on or around campus. You could invite your roommates or other students on your floor to go eat in the dining hall (and if there are multiple dining halls, then try each one!). If there are nearby places that have good reputations near your school, invite people to try them out with you. I went to a decently big school so something we did in groups in the beginning was just exploring the campus–finding the dining halls, finding lecture halls, finding the bus stop, etc. You’re all in the same situation and that can be a real bonding experience. Say hi to people you see or who you are around, and just generally try to be visible. Like the poster above said, instead of hanging out in your room, try to hang out in the common room or student center or other places where lots of students spend their time. Ask people in your dorm if they’re going to such-and-such event and walk there with them. If your dorm has events, then participate in them and chat with the people around you.

Even if you don’t see your roommates becoming lifelong friends, it’s okay to still spend some time with them in the beginning. It can be less intimidating inviting people to do things if you can say “My roommate and I are doing such-and-such. Do you want to come?” Just generally try to keep putting yourself out there. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find your best friends right away. Relationships and friendships take time. Be open to new activities and new people, and never be afraid to ask others to do something fun.