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The Key To Making Your Big University Feel Small

Soon, school will feel like more of a community made up of those who care for you and help you become the person you are meant to be, rather than just big numbers on paper.

Amanda Brennan

Jan 29, 2019

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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So, you're new to your 30,000-person (or larger!) campus. Either you transferred from a smaller school, or you are experiencing college for the first time as a freshman! Or, maybe you've been around for a year or two, but you are still struggling to find your "place" at school. No need to fret or worry because you will find your place and new friends, which will help make 30,000 feel much smaller.

Get involved

Everyone says this but it is crazy true. Whether it is a club that has to do with your major, hobby, or another interest, join! You will meet people with some of your similar opinions and interests too. These people may be the people you hang out with and study with regularly, which allows you to have a platform of anywhere from five people to even 300 people that you can count on for anything.

Hang out with the people on your floor

They're the people you live with and typically see on a daily basis! Having a good relationship with your neighbors is good because you will be more comfortable going back to where you live. And, having them in your life lets you expand who you know and have more connections to opportunities around campus.

Sit with someone new in class

Last semester I knew no one in any of my classes, but by the end, I had study groups and new friends! By knowing people in your classes, you will be able to bond with others about that annoying homework assignment or pop quiz the professor threw at you guys

Search the dining hall

At my dorm specifically, we have our own dining hall where we eat, but other dorms on campus share larger dining halls. Speaking from my own experience of having a smaller dining hall, you are always more than welcome to sit with whoever whenever. This is a good way to meet more people in different majors and who are involved in different things that also live in your building!

All in all, know that you are not alone, even though at times you may feel like a small fish in a big pond. There are plenty of ways to get involved and meet new people—these are the people who will make your college experience ten times better and more fun too! Once you have your circle of pals to turn to or new friends you made in classes, your school will no longer feel like a large, overwhelming campus, but instead, a community made up of those who care for you and help you become the person you are meant to be.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

The Key To Making Your Big University Feel Small

Soon, school will feel like more of a community made up of those who care for you and help you become the person you are meant to be, rather than just big numbers on paper.

Get involved

Hang out with the people on your floor

Sit with someone new in class

Search the dining hall

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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