Orientation & making new friends

[AceHero]

I'll be starting college as a freshman in early September.

The school is small with about 2,200 students (huge to me), and that's great because I'll be able to meet a lot of people. I'm sure I'll have a lot of opportunities to meet people since there are a lot of group things planned, but after that how do I take the initiative and try to meet new people on my own? I'm a recovering introvert, and it's a lot easier for me to talk to people these days, but I still have a hard time starting a conversation, especially if it's someone I've just met. How do I muster up the courage to introduce myself? I've never really done that. What are your college experiences concerning meeting new people and socializing?

Also, over 60% of the students are female. I kind of like the idea of being friends with a girl before pursuing a relationship, so how do act friendly around a girl without necessarily implying that you want to go out with her (yet)?

 

[Shyguyelite]

A recovering introvert? Hmmm.

Well I am a shy guy. And am elite. Well don't know about the elite part.

In any case, just wear a smile on your face : ) Shake hands with guys and just tell them your name. That is a start. Girls don't expect a hand shake, I think. In any case, I do a Korean bow to girls, and shake hands with guys.

I do not know what people who are 10th generation Americans do introducing themselves. I always thought a hand shake was abit out of place. Any way whatever.

Generally I usually ask what their major is. And what year they are.

As for having an entire conversation... sometimes I end it right after I find out basic info, like their major, what year they are heh.

As for the start... just get in the pit and love someone!

In other words, don't just stand in a corner. Get around people.

As for the female part, don't worry about implications. Chances are they won't even notice any implications.

G'Lord, I don't know. Thats just me.

But here is a very important thing to know::

Shy guys usually rate their socialization skills worse than they actually are. My source is a book. Which book, I have no idea, but it was a book, they can't lie right?

In short, after its all over and done, don't compare yourself to other guys, don't get discouraged that you didn't give a nice presidential speech.

Who knows, you just might have some fun ; )

 

[metherion]

It also helps to mingle at the dining halls. Find a group of people, or several groups of people in your first meals there, listen to the conversations, interject when you have something to say, etc.

Also, if you are living in the dorms, wander your dorm. I have noticed that freshman more often keep their dorm doors open then not freshman, so wander the dorm and say high to peoplewith their doors open. Keep your own door open (when you're there of course) and see if people wander in.

Also, don't feel obligated to become great friends with everyone you meet. Some people you just might not get along with, and that's fine.

Metherion

 

[Stacey]

hmmm honestly i'm usually pretty quiet at first until i really know the person. though through orientation i've been learning to just go out there.. cause the worst that could happen is someone doesn't like you for being like you want to be like.. and in that case you probably would've have gotten along anyway right? so don't be afraid to stand out and introduce yourself to EVERYONE that's the best time to do it. first year is an amazing opportunity to talk to ppl and no one will think less of you (especially first month) if you talk to them. in fact they're all probably looking to meet new ppl too.

also if you're at a mostly female school.. they're probably love getting to know you.. cause you can only hang around girls so much honestly. just introduce yourself and act like it's nothing. a lot of my friends are guys and i talk to them like i would a girlfriend. so don't treat them like someone you'd go out with (i thin i worded that wrong lol) but like how you talk to all your friends etc. just go to events etc. be entertaining and interesting lol and ppl'll be all over you.

 

[AceHero]

Well...funny how this is the first thread I'm on since starting college.

My first few nights weren't that great. But it's been a lot better this week. I've been opening up to people a lot more, and so are they to me in return. I just try to get involved with people as much as possible when I have nothing to do. I haven't made any friends yet, but there's a definite group of people I try to hang around with. Things are good so far.

 

[fuzzyh]

I was computer science geek when I lived in the dorms. I didn't get out much except with a few other CS geeks and their friends. However, since then I worked retail which forces you to be less introverted.

 

[Shyguyelite]

Good to hear things are going well