Social media has made connecting with future classmates much easier. There are Facebook groups and chat rooms, allowing people enrolled in or applying to the same college to get in contact with one another. I did this last summer and joined a chat room with my class. Looking back on it, there are some definite pros and cons of meeting future classmates online.
1. Pro - Moving away from home isn't as scary.
Chatting with people means that there will be some familiar faces on campus when it is move-in day. Especially if you're moving a long distance, talking to future classmates can make college less frightening. Instead of being nervous to meet all these new people, you are excited to meet the person you've become friends with online.
2. Con - It can also take away the fun of meeting new people.
I mean, if you're into that sort of thing. As an introvert, this was more on the 'Pro' side for me. However, many feel that meeting people online just takes away from the fun of meeting people in person. This can be (and is) true for many people. Figure out your personality type before joining a chat room with classmates.
3. Pro - Need a roommate? You can find one online.
Meeting people online means that you will most likely find someone with similar interests. If you're in search of a roommate this can be extremely helpful. Many people have found their roommate online, and even if you don't need a roommate, finding people with similar interests can only be a good thing!
4. Con - Awkwardness does happen.
Some of the people that you talk to online a lot you wouldn't talk to in person. After move-in you will see this person all the time (considering the size of the school) and it will be awkward. Do you say hi to someone you only talk to online? Everyone has a different answer. A good rule of thumb is to be careful on social media. Don't add people on Facebook who you wouldn't talk to in person.
5. Pro - Classmates can be helpful and give advice.
"Do you know how much storage space there is? What are you packing?" Everyone has the same questions, and being able to ask other classmates is really helpful. You can share advice, and also share in the nervousness and excitement that comes along with college. You're all taking this huge step together, so it's nice being able to talk about it.
6. Con - You run the risk of being judged by others.
People judge others. It happens. Since you don't actually know many of the people you would be talking to, it is wise to be careful with what you say. You have to be overly cautious of your words, otherwise people might use them as a way to judge your character. Tone of voice is difficult to carry out with messaging, a joke can be easily taken the wrong way. It's also best to stay away from political and other controversial topics and keep the conversation light.
Overall, meeting people online and talking with them might not be such a bad idea. However, there are disadvantages, and you should deliberate carefully before making the decision to talk to future classmates ahead of time.
