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How do I put myself out there in college?
I've been asking about this specific subject for a little bit, but I want to hear different perspectives about it.
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6 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Leader, Networker & Board Member For The College Of Adaptive Arts
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Jerome’s Answer
I think one of the best things you can do is to attend on campus activities. Especially those that are hosted by the department or school you are attending. Having face time with faculty and staff and other students can help you stand out when it comes to needing references or recommendations down the line.
Checking to see if any of the classes you have contain groups that study together could be a painless way to find a group to connect with.
I know some colleges have an internal app like handshake where you could be brave and simply put out there that you are looking to meet new people.
Hope that helps.
Checking to see if any of the classes you have contain groups that study together could be a painless way to find a group to connect with.
I know some colleges have an internal app like handshake where you could be brave and simply put out there that you are looking to meet new people.
Hope that helps.
Updated
Michel’s Answer
Depending on who you are start small. I think it is easy to see some of the people that are naturally good at being in the center of the attention and the truth of it is we are not all great at coming out of our shell. Depending on who you are start small meet a friend and work on expanding your circle. I think one of the best things about college is being able to join clubs with people that have shared interests. I was interested in education and helping kids in the community and I was able to join a club that worked with both of these things. I met a lot of really cool people in this club and still talk with them. I’m naturally a reserved person that doesn’t put himself out there, but if you find something that you are interested in, it is easy to get excited and start to feel more comfortable being in a position of having all eyes on you. It takes practice, but if you keep working on it slowly you will begin to get better at it.
I think the last thing that I have learned as I have gotten older is whatever you are feeling whether that is being sad, anxious, angry, or happy. Other people are also feeling these same emotions. If you are scared to speak in front of people you are not alone. People share these common emotions no matter who they are. The people that do well are the ones that are doing exactly what you are doing right now and looking inward. You are taking such a big step by analyzing something you want to improve upon. I have no doubt in my mind you are going to do amazing because you are showing a maturity that many people do not develop even into old age. Be proud of yourself for looking into growing. If you have any more questions let me know.
I think the last thing that I have learned as I have gotten older is whatever you are feeling whether that is being sad, anxious, angry, or happy. Other people are also feeling these same emotions. If you are scared to speak in front of people you are not alone. People share these common emotions no matter who they are. The people that do well are the ones that are doing exactly what you are doing right now and looking inward. You are taking such a big step by analyzing something you want to improve upon. I have no doubt in my mind you are going to do amazing because you are showing a maturity that many people do not develop even into old age. Be proud of yourself for looking into growing. If you have any more questions let me know.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Noah
Updated
Lesly’s Answer
Hey there! College is an exciting time, and there are so many remarkable ways to make yourself stand out. Embrace new experiences by joining clubs that spark your interest - not only will you have fun, but you'll also meet like-minded people. Explore new horizons by enrolling in courses that push your boundaries and help you develop new skills.
Immerse yourself in the campus community by being social in campus housing and participating in various events. By doing so, you'll create lasting friendships and memories. Remember, sometimes small social steps can create a significant impact, so don't worry about making grand gestures - just be yourself and connect with others.
Find ways to positively influence the lives of your fellow students by lending a helping hand whenever you can. Spread kindness and positivity everywhere you go, and you'll quickly become a beloved member of your campus community. Remember, the more you put yourself out there, the more incredible experiences you'll have. Embrace college life, and enjoy every moment of it!
Immerse yourself in the campus community by being social in campus housing and participating in various events. By doing so, you'll create lasting friendships and memories. Remember, sometimes small social steps can create a significant impact, so don't worry about making grand gestures - just be yourself and connect with others.
Find ways to positively influence the lives of your fellow students by lending a helping hand whenever you can. Spread kindness and positivity everywhere you go, and you'll quickly become a beloved member of your campus community. Remember, the more you put yourself out there, the more incredible experiences you'll have. Embrace college life, and enjoy every moment of it!
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
College is awesome time and place to explore new ideas, meet new people, grow and learn and just transition from those teen years into a young adult. If you haven’t already planned to live on campus or go away go school, that might be something to explore. Being on campus forces you to really be present and involved. It’s not that a commuter can’t also be engaged but it’s just harder to do and takes more effort and intentionality. Your roommates might become sone of your best friends or they might not and that’s ok too. If you can do it, live on campus at least for the first semester.
The most important thing is to get involved! In the first few weeks of the semester colleges will often have groups, clubs and other opportunities to get involved set up in dining spaces or common areas where you can learn about a variety of options and find one that’s right for you. Say yes- jump in and try something new. Go outside your comfort zone and you never know what you might enjoy. Check out bulletin boards for fliers, stop by the campus tables and talk to people, and check out the school website for listings of activities and clubs.
Go to all the campus events! Particularly in the beginning of the semester there are a lot of kickoff events and activities and campus sponsored ways to get involved and meet new people. There also tends to be a lot of college swag to collect at these events too! And often free food!
This also might be a good time to get involved with something specific to your major or department. If there’s a club or organization you can join do it. Ask your professors about networking and professional organizations in your field- it’s never to early yo start developing those networks of people and build your resume. See what professors might have research opportunities for you to get involved (depending on your school/major). Not only does it help to start that professional journey but being active and involved in your field might open doors later that you didn’t expect.
Finally, just be yourself! Don’t try too hard or worry about fitting into anyone else’s mold or doing things how others say. Enjoy college, have fun, be safe, learn all you can, explore and research topics of interest and take it one day at a time!
The most important thing is to get involved! In the first few weeks of the semester colleges will often have groups, clubs and other opportunities to get involved set up in dining spaces or common areas where you can learn about a variety of options and find one that’s right for you. Say yes- jump in and try something new. Go outside your comfort zone and you never know what you might enjoy. Check out bulletin boards for fliers, stop by the campus tables and talk to people, and check out the school website for listings of activities and clubs.
Go to all the campus events! Particularly in the beginning of the semester there are a lot of kickoff events and activities and campus sponsored ways to get involved and meet new people. There also tends to be a lot of college swag to collect at these events too! And often free food!
This also might be a good time to get involved with something specific to your major or department. If there’s a club or organization you can join do it. Ask your professors about networking and professional organizations in your field- it’s never to early yo start developing those networks of people and build your resume. See what professors might have research opportunities for you to get involved (depending on your school/major). Not only does it help to start that professional journey but being active and involved in your field might open doors later that you didn’t expect.
Finally, just be yourself! Don’t try too hard or worry about fitting into anyone else’s mold or doing things how others say. Enjoy college, have fun, be safe, learn all you can, explore and research topics of interest and take it one day at a time!
Your advice was so helpful!
Noah
Updated
Shayla’s Answer
Hey Noah! I completely understand where you're coming from. I was somewhat of an extrovert-introvert in college too. It can feel pretty daunting to put yourself out there when you're worried about what others might think. I used to feel the same way and sometimes just wanted to curl up in bed or skip out on social events.
The best advice I can share is to just go for it! A lot of our fears are just in our heads, and more often than not, we end up benefiting from attending these gatherings and stepping out of our comfort zones. Sure, it might be a bit tough at first, but you'll soon start making connections and building relationships that'll make it all worth it. This will then transform into a delightful experience rather than a chore.
So, Noah, here's to stepping out and having a blast! Best of luck, and remember to have fun!
The best advice I can share is to just go for it! A lot of our fears are just in our heads, and more often than not, we end up benefiting from attending these gatherings and stepping out of our comfort zones. Sure, it might be a bit tough at first, but you'll soon start making connections and building relationships that'll make it all worth it. This will then transform into a delightful experience rather than a chore.
So, Noah, here's to stepping out and having a blast! Best of luck, and remember to have fun!
Updated
Allyson’s Answer
"Say yes!" The first weeks of college are overwhelming (to say the least) but also an amazing time where clubs & organizations will have tons of events to promote their groups & what they're all about. Attend as many functions as possible during the first weeks of college and don't be afraid to attend the events or fairs put on by your student organizations.
I attended a commuter school, where many of the students did not live on campus or went home on the weekends. While it's not for everyone, I joined a Panhellenic sorority to meet likeminded peers and network on campus and after college I used my sorority network to find an internship!
Say yes to as many opportunities to network during your 1st weeks of college, and you'll find your niche :)
I attended a commuter school, where many of the students did not live on campus or went home on the weekends. While it's not for everyone, I joined a Panhellenic sorority to meet likeminded peers and network on campus and after college I used my sorority network to find an internship!
Say yes to as many opportunities to network during your 1st weeks of college, and you'll find your niche :)