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Making connections right off the bat when entering college can be nerve wrecking. While getting out of your comfort zone is the first step, what are some unique ways incoming freshman could branch out and make new connections with others that will make them memorable?
I enjoy putting myself out there and being open to new connections, my concern is setting a great first impression right off the bat. Then especially on large campuses I anticipate it being difficult to be remembered after brief introduction. I'd love to hear people's thoughts!
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Levita’s Answer
Making connections in college can feel overwhelming. Start by finding professional groups related to your field, like business, medicine, or technology. Check Eventbrite and Facebook for local organizations. Look for events like mixers, happy hours, or info sessions, and sign up—these are often free. If there's a contact person listed, don't hesitate to reach out with questions.
Alumni events are another great way to connect. A librarian in your field's library can help you find alumni members or point you to someone who can. Remember, librarians are there to help you with information.
Take action and start building your network!
Alumni events are another great way to connect. A librarian in your field's library can help you find alumni members or point you to someone who can. Remember, librarians are there to help you with information.
Take action and start building your network!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Cindy !
It's a very exciting experience starting college, one that I think you will enjoy !
Sometimes, the preconceived ideas we have about something are just that - ideas. College life is - in a a way - spontaneous, with unexpected opportunities that can't be realized by planning for or thinking about how it will be. You seem very sociable, so I have no doubt you will enjoy your time at college.
You almost don't have to ask this question or wonder about it because college itself will automatically have you "branching out" and automatically meeting lots of people. Whether the interactions are memorable or not doesn't matter. Some will be and some won't be and that is the natural flow of things. It's just best to let things happen as they will while learning the campus and getting your course schedule situated at first. Various people are going to be impressed with various things about you, so there's no way to make everyone connect strongly. Just be yourself and I think you'll feel happy about it.
Something to think about: College is not a place to strive for popularity, that's for high school for some people. College takes a more serious tone, one in which people are going to admire and respect your skills, talents and personal qualities. That's how I see it from my own personal experience at college. The one place that will boost your social circle is going to be while you are at college. You will make acquaintances but undoubtedly you will also make life long friends. It's fine to not worry about everyone liking you, many people will.
A good way to step beyond the brief introductions is to spend a lot of time in your Major department. Hopefully they have a lounge where students gather in between classes. Some Majors are more group oriented and some aren't, but you will be surprised how valuable hanging out with same major students and being around the professors and staff in that department will be very beneficial to you. I don't know what you're majoring in, but I had a highly social major and this was what I did and it was very rewarding.
A large campus is always nicer, in my opinion, for the social opportunities. I went to a large campus with a large student body during the time I was there and there always seemed to be something great happening on campus. Entertainment on the quad, craft fairs, health fairs (not during the time I went to college) and all sorts of things to do. You can read your college's activities schedule on their website to know what to anticipate. A larger campus is exciting, for sure !
So, please do not worry about your social development. It's a given just by being there at college. It's a wonderful step forward during which you will see yourself progress, change and gain satisfaction as you study for your future career.
I hope this is something to ponder and I wish you all the best !
It's a very exciting experience starting college, one that I think you will enjoy !
Sometimes, the preconceived ideas we have about something are just that - ideas. College life is - in a a way - spontaneous, with unexpected opportunities that can't be realized by planning for or thinking about how it will be. You seem very sociable, so I have no doubt you will enjoy your time at college.
You almost don't have to ask this question or wonder about it because college itself will automatically have you "branching out" and automatically meeting lots of people. Whether the interactions are memorable or not doesn't matter. Some will be and some won't be and that is the natural flow of things. It's just best to let things happen as they will while learning the campus and getting your course schedule situated at first. Various people are going to be impressed with various things about you, so there's no way to make everyone connect strongly. Just be yourself and I think you'll feel happy about it.
Something to think about: College is not a place to strive for popularity, that's for high school for some people. College takes a more serious tone, one in which people are going to admire and respect your skills, talents and personal qualities. That's how I see it from my own personal experience at college. The one place that will boost your social circle is going to be while you are at college. You will make acquaintances but undoubtedly you will also make life long friends. It's fine to not worry about everyone liking you, many people will.
A good way to step beyond the brief introductions is to spend a lot of time in your Major department. Hopefully they have a lounge where students gather in between classes. Some Majors are more group oriented and some aren't, but you will be surprised how valuable hanging out with same major students and being around the professors and staff in that department will be very beneficial to you. I don't know what you're majoring in, but I had a highly social major and this was what I did and it was very rewarding.
A large campus is always nicer, in my opinion, for the social opportunities. I went to a large campus with a large student body during the time I was there and there always seemed to be something great happening on campus. Entertainment on the quad, craft fairs, health fairs (not during the time I went to college) and all sorts of things to do. You can read your college's activities schedule on their website to know what to anticipate. A larger campus is exciting, for sure !
So, please do not worry about your social development. It's a given just by being there at college. It's a wonderful step forward during which you will see yourself progress, change and gain satisfaction as you study for your future career.
I hope this is something to ponder and I wish you all the best !