So this is my 2nd semester as a transfer student and I want to have some fun by going out with friends and not spending my whole weekend in my apartment. But I have a trouble time doing that because I consider myself socially awkward/ an introvert. I guess the reason why I say that is because I don’t know how to approach people and start a conversion with them without having long and awkward pauses (which I feel super awkward about). Also I am very shy and I get nervous when talking to people that I don’t know. I am hoping I can to make some friends this semester with some of the people in my classes and the extra curricular clubs that I joined.
But I need some help with coming up with some ideas to talk about, and what I can do to keep the conversation going. I don’t want to just talk about the class related work such as the homework, test, and etc. I also want to talk about other things but I don’t know what! Also most of the classes I am in are considered upper level, so most of the people in my classes are upper classmen and already have a close friend circle/group. I find it hard trying to make a friend whose already has a close group of friends.
Also I just turn 21 and I would love to have a buddy to go drinking with since there are like 20+ bars around my school. But I don’t mind making friends with people under 21 but it would just be a bonus if they were.
I think you should take advantage that you’re a transfer so you could ask some stuff about your new school (like you could ask your classmates how the campus life is, their life in general, etc.). And also try developing your social skills by messaging people here in CC since this community is one of the friendliest I’ve met! Good luck!
Big transfer universities seem to have Facebook groups for transfers. Trying to set up some sort of transfer student get together might be a good way to find people in similar situations.
My daughter just started at Berkeley as a transfer and loves it! That said, Berkeley doesn’t especially go out of its way to group transfers together and help them connect. The godsend for her, like @orangered123 said, is the Facebook Transfer page that a student set up. There are tons of connections and activities up there. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like your college has that (or it does and you don’t know about it). The best option is just join clubs and maybe the gym. She mentioned the same thing - being 21 and liking to find someone she could get a drink with. Good luck! I know it’s hard, but you will need to move slightly outside your comfort level to connect. Also, search your college using various names like “[insert name] Transfers” or “[insert name] Class of 2017,” etc. on Facebook.