If you had a solid friend group in high school, college might be a tough adjustment — with everyone choosing to go different places, you really need to find a way to make some new friends that'll help you ease into the brand new college lifestyle. For some, this might be kind of difficult — after all, it's been a while since you had to branch out and find people who have similar interests — but luckily, there are plenty of unconventional ways to make new friends on campus.
For the record, yes — you really should go out there and try to meet new people. While your high school friends shouldn't immediately vanish, this is an opportunity to do your own thing, figure out who you really are, and meet people that might just morph into lifelong friends. The four (or more) years you spend at college will be years that you'll look back on forever. These are the people that'll help you grow, and be featured in your ultimate school memories. And chances are, they are just as scared as you over putting themselves out there and starting fresh. Remember, even if they have checklists and have prepped for this moment since graduating from elementary school, no one is completely prepared for this big change.
Even if you're an upperclassmen, it's always great to continue making new friends. And each year, based on schedule rotations, you'll meet more and more people. Here are just a few places you might not have thought of that'll help you develop a brand new group.
1. Sit at a random table at the dining hall.
I know, I know — this seems scary. But know what else is scary? Eating at the dining hall alone, or being that girl who just gets takeout all the time to eat in her room. You never know what a simple "Can I sit with you guys?" will bring. The worst they can say is no, and trust me, you won't be labeled as "weird dining hall girl" after that happens. It'll promptly be forgotten.
Find an approachable group, and give it a shot. Once you do, you'll remember how easy it is to open up and meet people.
2. Hit up the college radio station.
Like music? So do the people at your college radio station. In fact, chances are, the station is littered with posters, CDs, and people who are dying to talk to you about Arcade Fire. If you like music enough, you might want to even join the club yourself, and learn a little bit about working a soundboard. Being a college radio DJ is extremely rewarding, and the people you'll meet will be some of the kindest, most creative people ever.
3. Go to a college football game.
Like sports? Then you're bound to meet a new person or two at a football game. Hate sports? Well, give it a shot — just once. The amount of school pride and school spirit will absolutely astound you. Plus, it's a great way to get some additional wear out of those college hoodies and tees that your parents forced you to buy at the school store.
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