Your first few days of college can seem pretty intimidating after your family leaves. You can't find any familiar faces, you may feel alone, and you are probably anxious that you won't fit in. Making friends in a whole new environment can be tough, and sometimes even a little stressful. Lucky for you, I am going to share a few tips with you that I have learned about making new friends in the first few weeks of college.
1: Talk to people.
Now I know you're probably thinking, "Well, duh! Isn't that obvious? That's exactly what I'm nervous about!" I get it. But you're not the only person who is having that anxiety! Everybody is just as awkward as you are that first week, and almost everyone is looking to make friends too. Nobody is going to judge you if you try to make conversation about the weather on the elevator. No one is going to think you're creepy if you ask them where they're living this year. Ask people their name, where their from, and their major. Tell them a little bit about yourself. Who knows, maybe you will find you have a lot in common!
2: Be yourself.
As cliché as it may sound, it's one of the most important pieces of advice I can give you. You are in college now— you're in a whole new environment with all new people. You have a clean slate, so don't waste it! You aren't stuck in a small town with the same people who have known you since elementary school anymore. There is no more "labels" tied to your name, no more pre-connotated assumption of who you are and what you're all about. So forget the past, put a smile on your face, and DO YOU! If people don't like it, brush it off because there are hundreds of other opportunities for you to make friends who will appreciate you for who you truly are. No more pretending to be someone you're not; take this time to become the absolute best version of yourself that you can be, and find friends who love you for it.
3: Learn to make a good first impression.
First impressions will be so important for the rest of your adult life. Choose your words carefully, make eye contact, smile at the person you're talking to. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so decide how you want the people you meet to perceive you and make sure you don't come across as someone that you're not. Try not to over-do it. Relax, be casual, and try to show the best version of yourself. Although first impressions can are important, forgive yourself if you say something stupid by accident or make a mistake. This shouldn't be one of those things that you think about late at night six years later and hate yourself for. Laugh it off— you're only human.
4: Don't expect to connect with everyone.
Don't be too hard on yourself— you can't possibly connect with everybody you meet. That's not your fault. You will meet people that you hit it off with immediately, some that you will never expect to become friends with but do, and some that just aren't for you. That's totally okay. Accept it, move on, and meet new people!
5: Don't settle for less than you deserve.
This is usually something you would hear about a relationship, but it holds true for a friendship as well. If you befriend someone who just doesn't treat you right or may seem like a negative person, then find better people to surround yourself with. Life is too short to spend time with people who bring you down. Like I mentioned before, there are hundreds of other people who you can hang around with that will be a better match for you. Find a few really good friends, or even just one, and appreciate them. That's all you really need.
6: Relax.
Try not to obsess over befriending everyone within the first two days. You will meet people in your classes, on your floor, in your hall, in the dining hall, or even just walking down the street. Don't rush it— it will come! There are so many students that are looking to fit in just as much as you are. You'll find your group! It doesn't happen automatically, so don't stress yourself out over it!
Now get up, get out of your dorm, and go meet some people!
