Hey, y'all! My name is Isabella, and I’m a college student learning how to navigate adulthood right alongside you! Today, I will tell you 15 tips on how to meet people in college.
Now isn’t the time to obsess about how your room looks. Instead, ask another girl if they want to grab a bite or a coffee. You can also invite multiple people if you don't feel comfortable with one person or don't know them well enough. It is easy to focus on other things in the first year, but your first year is important because you will make lifelong friends! Take care of yourself so you won't get sick and can put your best foot forward.
Leave your door open when moving in!
You can even add a note on your door saying, "Hey! We’re in our rooms. Come on in; we’d love to meet you!” This is an inviting gesture and may help you meet another girl who is shy about initiating an introduction.
Bring little gift bags or a cookie cake to give out, and invite people to your room to eat it!
Everyone loves cake; this is a great way to meet people and talk over dessert! Invite people you see in your dorm, or even put a sign on the door welcoming people in to enjoy a slice.
Introduce yourself to people on move-in day.
Everyone is in the same boat during college move-in: they don’t know anyone or only a few people.
Start a conversation; you never know if it could become a friendship!
Introduce yourself to people in your classes.
It ALWAYS helps to know at least one person in each class in case you get sick or need extra notes. If I recognized anyone I knew was friends with one of my friends, I would say, “Hey, I’m Isabella! Aren’t you ____ friend?” or “Didn’t you go to school with ____?” Try to find things in common with people, and you will have an instantaneous connection.
Be kind to others and offer help!
Give a compliment or help someone carry groceries into their dorm. These little acts of kindness go a long way and will help others remember you.
Get to places early.
You’d be surprised how many people you can meet and how many bonds you can strengthen in a conversation before an event.
Introduce yourself to your friends’ friends.
Do this!!!! You might run into them later in class or at an event that will help you to know someone.
Grab a friend and walk to each of your classes to make sure you can find them before the first day of class.
Every student needs to do this to make the first day of class go smoothly, so you should be able to find someone to go with you!
Working out.
Go on a walk, run, or to your campus gym together! This is a great way to meet people.
Just say, “Hey, I’m looking for someone to come try out such and such fitness class…anyone want to come along?” You’re bound to get a few takers, as everyone is worried about gaining that freshman 15, too!
Get coffee together!
Some precious little coffee shops are out there, and they can be such peaceful places to chat, study, or simply be productive. If you don’t know someone incredibly well, you can always suggest grabbing coffee and studying at a coffee shop.
This way, you will avoid any awkwardness of holding a conversation, and it will help you acclimate to someone new.
Explore!
Try new things, visit new places, study, go to the grocery store, or eat together.
Especially if you need to learn more about your college town or what is outside it, these adventures might create memories you'll remember for the rest of your life!
Everyone has to go to the dining hall at some point, so just invite people!
No one wants to sit by themselves, and it doesn't hurt to invite people, so just invite as many people as you want!
If you know someone in your class, arrange to walk to class together.
Those consistent conversations on the walk to class can develop into friendships! And it helps to have a study buddy!!
Study together!
Grab Starbucks, find a picnic table or spot outside campus, and study together. You can study anywhere, in your dorm or somewhere new.
Everyone will be doing this, so it is an excellent opportunity to spend some time with someone.
Go on a walk, to a chapter, to dinner, or just to get outside!
This will help you stay active, and it can be so much fun just to chat with someone and get a quick walk-in!
With Love,
Isabella XO
