I'm going to be a sophomore in college, and I'm transferring from community college to a university almost 2 hours away. I leave next week. I have always had more friendly acquaintances then friends. I only have 2 friends. I'm an introvert and never came out of my shell in high school or in the first year of college. I'm very shy and kind of anti-social. I also always seem to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I can never seem to do anything right. It's like whenever I try to help situations, I make things worse, but if I don't help, I'm not appreciated. How do I go about making friends when I go to school? And how do I cope with my problem of always being at the wrong place at the wrong time? I will be in a 4 day orientation before classes start, so I hope that will help me adjust and make friends, but I'm just so fearful that I'll be a loner. Help?
Dont worry! i find thats one of the biggest parts of making friends! the more comfortable you are with yourself the more comfortable others will be around you. People are attracted to confidence. (not to be confused with being cocky). Strike up casual conversation, even if you dont get a friend from it at least you will gain more confidence in dealing with social situations! Be nice, Be kind, and most of all dont worry! if you have a good attitude about things, good things will come.
Friendly acquaintances can be made into friends. I have a similar thing - I have only a few people I call real friends, because I generally don't like other people. Some people smell funny, some are dumb, some people are just plain annoying, but I have to push myself to accept them for the people they are. You have to make sure that you know that you need people though to get you comfortable in the college life. Make sure to always sit next to somebody and ask them something to start a conversation. It is easy to start with something like - Hey, I'm new here! Do you know where this and this is? Thanks a bunch! See you around! Bye! The next time you see the same person, it will be easier to continue talking with them about the campus, local parties, where to buy stuff or anything. Just act casual, you don't want to seem desperate to make friends. It repels people most of the time. Ask people stuff, smile, look honest and open and things will happen for you. Good luck!
Most people who are new to a university are in the same boat as you. The difference between having the best time of your life in college and the worst time is your mindset and choices. Many people at the university will likely be from out of town, looking for some like minded heads, just as you are. Don't be afraid to say hello because it goes a long way. If someone doesn't reciprocate your friendliness, dont fret.... there are 20,000 other people who will. smile smile smile
