<p>I'm new to college and living in the dorms, and everyone seems to already know eachother. How can I make friends without seeming like I'm imposing myself?</p>
<p>One solution is to leave the door to your room open, and see who wanders in (assuming you trust people that much, and know it'll just be college people - not random strangers - wandering about). If you have something interesting going on, they may decide to visit you.</p>
<p>Another possibility is making acquaintances in your classes and trying to set up study groups.</p>
<p>Join clubs!</p>
<p>There are a lot of ways to do it - you will feel like you're imposing yourself in some of them, but you'll get over it. ;)</p>
<p>I think joining clubs will be the easiest way to meet new people without forcing it. Also, I agree maybe you should leave your room open. It'd probably help if you have something that could lure people in like a Wii or something.</p>
<p>Joining clubs is a good idea, and often those folks are in the same boat which is why they join.</p>
<p>Whenever I leave the door open, noone comes in and it's embarassing :(</p>
<p>I used to leave my door open, but not necessarily to invite people in, just to keep the atmosphere more open. I've since kept my door closed, since I prefer the quietness. Just find people who share your interests. I was in a similar situation to the OP my first few days, but I found people in my classes who shared and my interests, and we became friends.</p>
<p>sit with a group of kids at lunch... i'm not in college yet but i did go to a fly-in program. after i registered the college just kind of dumped on the campus so i went to the food place for lunch and sat with some random kids. i made one friend that afternoon. later on i started chatting up people i happened to be sitting beside or approaching people who were by themselves. i was only there about two days but i already had my own little posse.</p>
<p>sports teams and clubs are the best way to meet people. plus they obviously have the same interests as you. so usually you will get along with these people well. </p>
<p>i have gone to tons of different schools because my dad gets moved arounnd for his job a lot. i found sports and clubs to work the best</p>
<p>These are pretty good tips, I'll probably have to employ them when I go to college.</p>
<p>They knew each other from high school? or just from making friends in college? </p>
<p>That's what i'm afraid of (people already knowing each other from high school and just hanging out with them)...it'll be basically cliques and groups all over again</p>
<p>Most colleges have a student organization fair early on. That's a great way to meet people. Pick out a couple clubs and just go to their meetings and events, even if you don't want to get really involved beyond that. Also, offer to form study groups in your classes. People are often looking for study partners, so take the initiative and start the discussion. And in class, be sure to look at your fellow students when talking, not just at the professor. When you make eye contact, people remember you more and are more likely to strike up conversation with you outside of class.</p>
<p>If leaving your own door open isn't working, I'd grab some friends and look for other open doors - which there should be plenty of since us UC kids are still in the first few weeks of college and everyone is trying to make new friends. From what I've seen so far in my first couple weeks - if someone's door is open, chances are they're also looking to meet new people so I wouldn't worry about coming off as imposing yourself, especially if you're with a group of kids.</p>
<p>Ever consider a fraternity?</p>
<p>Come to class 5-10 mins early. Whether you're waiting outside or sitting in class, chances are there are some other students too and you can always strike up a conversation with them. Something casual such as "Did you do your homework?" or a question about a assignment is a good starter.</p>
<p>Making friends was def a topic of concern for me...not b/c I thought I'd have trouble but simply because it can be daunting to leave all your old H.S. friends and expect to start from scratch in college. I recommend asking people on your floor or dorm to go grab some food or have a toss...even just asking to exchange numbers can work...good luck!</p>
<p>
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I'm new to college and living in the dorms, and everyone seems to already know eachother.
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It's possible they already know each other from HS; you don't mention what school you're going to or much more about your situation.</p>
<p>But its also possible you're reading too much into things. Maybe they just met a few days ago and they're in the process of making friends; they may not know each other very well at all.</p>
<p>Since you live in the dorms, be sure to attend dorm activities. Stick around on the weekends, too. And don't be shy about introducing yourself to people. If you see someone you recognize from your dorm floor in a class, go over and say hello -- "hi, my name is Mike, don't you live on 3rd floor of Jefferson?" A lot of times in the dorms groups gather on a floor to go down to dinner; start joining these groups, or if you see a bunch of people from your floor sitting together ask if you can join them.</p>
<p>Go up to people and start making conversations. All sorts of stuff can work. All you need is to open to them, and they might become your best college friend soon.</p>
<p>I definitely agree with the idea of leaving your dorm door open because there is a big chance someone will stick their head in. Also, you can share a dorm with someone who has already been at that college and he or she can introduce you to new people.</p>
<p>Consider talking to your RA or whoever the older student in charge on your floor is, don't be afraid to say that you are feeling a little overwhelmed and need some help breaking into a group. Are you in a single? If not what is your roommate like? I agree with the other posters join a club or an intramural sport but get out as much as possible- go do your homework in the common room etc. Good luck and hang in there!!!!</p>
<p>I made one of my friends from class just by telling her I liked her coat. Then she told me she liked my sunglasses, and we've since started talking and it's nice to have somebody in class that you're friends with for homework or whatnot...</p>