3 answers
Mylin
Student
Royal Oak, Michigan
1
Question
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How do I find my place in college?
I am attending MSU for the fall 2026 semester and I am afraid of not being able to fit in. #Spring26
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3 answers
katy denby
28
Answers
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katy’s Answer
While I have not been to college, I do know the pressure and anxiety of thinking you won't fit in but don't let that worry consume you either, eventually things will fall into place and work out. Universities are very big and have tens of thousands of people and I guarantee out of all those people there will be some that you will click with and will align with your interests, but it may not be immediate, so it is important to be comfortable with being on your own for a period of time. It is also good to remember there are plenty of other people who are in the same boat as you, this is a very common worry, and you aren't alone. One thing you can do is participate in clubs, volunteering, study groups, or something along those lines so you are surrounded by people with the same interests, even if it doesn't work the first time if you can consistently go people might talk to you over time because you would be a familiar face. Try to put yourself in social situations often so you become a familiar face and don't pressure yourself things will fall into place.
Kenneth Ninomiya
Audit Accounting
4
Answers
Miramar, Florida
Updated
Kenneth’s Answer
Hey Mylin, this is a great question! I have personal experience with this exact issue, as there was nobody I knew from home or high school that were going to my university. I entered into my Freshman year knowing 0 people. At the time, this was a major source of anxiety and uncertainty, because I had no clue how I was going to find friends without knowing anything about the place or the people. Thankfully, everything went great for me, and I can now confidently say that my time at University was the best so far in my life. Here's what worked for me:
Firstly, if possible, I would recommend living at least your first year on campus. It's so much easier to meet new people, as you're living on campus and don't have to commute every time you want to interact with people. Next, I would like to remind you that you're not alone in your situation. Don't be afraid to just talk to random people. There's a really good chance that other Freshman, whether they're in your class or walking around on campus, are also looking for new friends and trying to find their place.
Furthermore, my most important tip, try out every social club/activity that you are interested in!!! Social clubs are the best place to make friends, since you can bond over some shared activity. Your school will most likely have club introductory fairs at the beginning of each semester. Go to those, walk around the booths, and join every single club that you're interested in. You don't have to stay in these clubs if you don't like them, but try them out. I tried a couple of different clubs before I had found my place. Some of the clubs were fun, but weren't for me. I made all of my closest friends when I decided to try joining the climbing club. Prior to college, I had never even heard of rock climbing. It seemed fun, and I gave it a try, Within 3 climbing club meetings, I realized I had found my people. I'm still close to those people I met to this day, multiple years out of college.
Firstly, if possible, I would recommend living at least your first year on campus. It's so much easier to meet new people, as you're living on campus and don't have to commute every time you want to interact with people. Next, I would like to remind you that you're not alone in your situation. Don't be afraid to just talk to random people. There's a really good chance that other Freshman, whether they're in your class or walking around on campus, are also looking for new friends and trying to find their place.
Furthermore, my most important tip, try out every social club/activity that you are interested in!!! Social clubs are the best place to make friends, since you can bond over some shared activity. Your school will most likely have club introductory fairs at the beginning of each semester. Go to those, walk around the booths, and join every single club that you're interested in. You don't have to stay in these clubs if you don't like them, but try them out. I tried a couple of different clubs before I had found my place. Some of the clubs were fun, but weren't for me. I made all of my closest friends when I decided to try joining the climbing club. Prior to college, I had never even heard of rock climbing. It seemed fun, and I gave it a try, Within 3 climbing club meetings, I realized I had found my people. I'm still close to those people I met to this day, multiple years out of college.
Michelle Zheng
Public accounting
1
Answer
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
While that's a very common fear for incoming students starting at a large university like MSU, remember that's what a lot of others looking around wondering the same. College is designed for you to not only to advance your knowledge but also to meet new people. It might feel awkward at first, but fitting in is a gradual process. So joining clubs that interest you (MSU has a plenty) , attending events for your major, exchanging contacts with those in your lectures, just being being open-minded can connect you with people. And if you are living in the dorms, MSU usually group those with similar majors together and host events regularly. So don't be afraid and reach out to other students first! There's bound to be lots of people who share your interests you can befriend!