One of my favorite parts about college is that I’m constantly meeting new people. Whether it be my classes, mixers, clubs, or just people from my dorm, I’ve asked and been asked the same questions literally MILLIONS of times.

What’s your name? Where are you from? Where are you living this year? What’s your major? (And I’m only a sophomore! Imagine all the times I’ve yet to be asked those questions again!)

It’s gotten to the point where I’m sick of making small talk — because honestly, I will not remember your major or where you’re from unless you make an extremely memorable impression — and I care more about asking questions that tell me more about the person I’m talking to. Here are 20 deep and interesting questions that are way better than small talk (Stole a few of these from Arthur Aron’s study):

1. What’s your dream?

Because sometimes knowing someone's major doesn't tell you about what they really would love to do in life.

2. What are you most excited about in your life right now?

3. What should I know about you that I’d never think to ask?

4. What are you passionate about?

I actually asked an Uber driver this question a few weeks ago, and we ended up connecting on our shared passion for writing. He told me he writes short stories and journal articles, and at the end of the Uber ride, he gave me his business card and told me to follow up. This just goes to show you never know what might happen with just a question!

5. What are small things that make your day better?

6. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

7. When was the last time life left you breathless?

8. What do you feel most people take for granted the most?

9. What are you most interested in that most people haven't heard of?

10. What’s your idea of a perfect day?

11. What are you most grateful for?

14. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

15. What's one issue you wish more people understood?

16. What's your favorite place?

17. Where have you always wanted to travel to and what attracts you about this place?

18. Do you prefer digital watches and clocks or the kind with hands? Why?

Now this is just a fun one.

19. Would you like to be famous? In what way?

20. What are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial Christmas trees?

Another fun one.

Hope you have the opportunity to pull out one — or all of these questions — to strangers or even your closest friends. Who knows, you might learn a few interesting, new pieces of information! Have fun!