How to Meet People in College

High School was designed in such a way that it makes it very easy to make friends. While you are reading this, you are probably thinking about all of the friends that you made while in grades K - 12. College is a different game though. You may go to school without any friends that you knew when in high school, and even if those friends are in college with you, there is no guarantee you will see them. Either way, even if you know some people in you college, it would be wise to meet new people.

While attending college, you will not be forced to interact with other students, except for the occasional group project and class discussions. In college, it is up to you to make friends and meet people on your own. The following is a list of ways you can meet new people while in college.

1. Your roommate

This one is pretty obvious, but it had to be noted. You will be seeing a lot of your roommate(s), so it would be wise to get to know and be friendly with this/these individual(s). You could look them up on Facebook before you get to school and get to know them. Also, your roommate(s) could always introduce you to friends that they already know.

2. Talk to others in your building

Speaking of dorm rooms, you are probably living on a floor with many other people. You should take some time to meet them. You will probably see a lot of them, especially your neighbors, so that is a good chance to make friends with people. Besides, if you want to hang out with someone, it will be much easier/more comfortable to walk down the hall on a cold winter night than to get in a car or on a bus and freeze on the way to see your friend.

3. Classes

This is another obvious tip, but a lot of people go through an entire class not making any friends. It will definitely be in your best interest to make friends with people in your classes. These people may have similar interests to your own, seeing that they have a similar class, so you might get along very well with them. Also, if you miss a class, you always have a friend that you can get notes from and you can study with them if you would like to. People usually keep the same seats, so it will be easy to talk to the same people all semester long.

4. Student Organizations/Clubs

Not to mention looking great on a résumé, and grad school applications, these are great places to meet people. The reason for joining a club or organization is because of an interest that the members share. This should make it pretty easy to make friends, seeing that you already have something in common. Meetings can often include group activities that will make you interact with other members. It would be wise to join a student organization for many reasons, even if for no other reason that to meet people.

5. School Events

Any event a school is a great place to meet people, whether it is a big game, a concert, festival or anything else. Your school is hosting some kind of event and it should be a good time. When people are having fun or are united for a common goal, like in the case of a big sports game, it will be easy to meet people. There is always something to talk about and odds are you have seen a lot of these people in classes and other places and now you can strike up a conversation with them.

If you can follow the above tips, you can be almost guaranteed to meet people in college. Try to start out with a few people, those who are easiest to meet. You can always meet people through others that you already know. Don't worry if you don't make a lot of friends at first, it may just take some time before you meet people who you really gel with. Between classes, try to hang out in common places and not locked in you dorm, it's harder to meet people when you are by yourself. Finally, realize that a lof of students are trying to do the same thing you are, make new friends.