Hey, so I was just accepted RD and I’m extremely excited for ADOCH and all and I heard how Brown is super open and friendly place for anyone, but many people say that it can be quite clique-y which is personally intimidating because I want to be able to fit in.
I’m not the most social of people, I’d say I’m probably an introvert (never really looked into that) so I wouldn’t be that person who just walked up to someone to say hi or someone who can easily make friends. I’m scared I won’t make friends when I officially attend this september and was wondering if it is common for people like me who want to have a good time and want to be social (but suck at it lol) to have that changed when they go to college, specifically Brown and their social lives end up becoming pretty good.
You will be fine. I promise. I’m definitely an introvert, and I didn’t find it hard to make friends at all. Remember, everyone in your class will be in the same situation. I’m not going to say that the first people you meet will become your best friends forever, but you’ll certainly meet people through your time at Brown who will become your friends for the rest of your life. I’d suggest that you do your best to put yourself out there by joining clubs/groups and talking to people in your classes, because that’s the best way to find people with common ideas and interests.
College is not like high school. 99% of the first years at Brown know no one else on campus. Everyone wants to make friends. There are no pre-established cliques when you walk in the first day. No one knows you, no one will judge you based on what you were like in middle school. You will never have another time in your life when it is this easy to make friends.
That said, you do have to make an effort. If you sit in your room with the door closed, if you don’t make eye contact with others, if you sit at a table in the Ratty with your head down, looking only at your iPhone – then you might not make any friends. So force yourself to be more social. Everyone accepted to Brown has a story. They’ve done interesting things. They are really smart and talented. You’ll want to get to know them, just like they want to get to know you.
There are concerted efforts (activities, etc.) during orientation to make social connections in your housing unit, which may or may not be the main group of friends that you end up with but will give you a strong social foundation right from the start.