Starting college can be scary. New classes, new place, new people... It can all seem a little daunting! Making new friends can seem especially scary, so it's always good to have an idea of where to start. Here are some ways to make connections with people at your new school.
1. Bring drinks.
If there's one thing college kids like to do, it's drink. Show up to your first day of class with juice boxes for everyone. For the rest of the year, you will be known for bringing the party.
2. Explore your dorm.
Go down the hall, alone, and knock on everyone's door. To make sure they'll be home, visit at 2 a.m. on a Wednesday. You don't want anyone to feel left out!
Bonus Tip: Sit in the laundry room and ask people where they got their underwear.
3. Business cards.
Why put your number in someone's phone when you can give them your card? Nothing says "let's hang out casually" like a slick, professional business card. Everyone is going to take note of how organized you are, and nothing says best friends like organization.
4. Go to events.
Going to dances and movie nights can help even the most awkward people make friends. Sit at the back of the room and breathe heavily to let them know that you are also a living person. Your classmates will notice that you are alive, the first criteria of friendship.
5. Find ways to stand out.
Tell everyone your uncle is Kanye West. Develop a catch phrase. Urinate in public. Do anything you can to make sure that everyone on campus knows your name, making you much more approachable.
6. Take Initiative.
Once you've met people you get along with, start going everywhere they go. They're going to love that you made the first move!
Bonus Tip: If you know they have a meal plan, hang around the doors of the dining hall until they get there. This will show them that you want to be friends, and it will also show them that you like food.
7. Social networking.
Find out everything you can about potential friends. When you meet, you can skip the small talk and instead ask them how their family's trip to the Grand Canyon went in 2009. They'll appreciate your attention to detail.
8. Answer every question in class.
Even if you don't know the answer, it's always a good idea to chime in. Everyone will notice how confident and smart you are.
Bonus Tip: Argue with your professors whenever they correct you. This will tell your new friends that you don't back down!
9. Tag along.
There's nothing wrong with inviting yourself along on a group outing. To avoid bothering them, disguise yourself and walk half a block behind them. A surefire way to build lasting memories!
10. Play a sport.
Everyone is going to think you're just a dumb jock if you join a team, though, so walk around campus carrying a football or a lacrosse stick to make people think you're athletic.
Bonus Tip: Tell everyone you see that you're on your way to practice. This will show how dedicated you are to your hobbies.
11. Be yourself.
And, after you've tried all this, go to your last resort: Being your genuine self. Do things that interest you to meet people with similar interests. Follow through on making plans with people you meet in class.
Just kidding. That's lame. Do the juice thing.
