How to start conversations?

<p>I have a question that's kind of pathetic. I move into my residence hall next Monday and I start my required summer class on Wednesday. I'm really excited at the prospect of meeting new people and making friends because I'm a junior transfer from a community college so I haven't had the best social opportunities up until this point. On the other hand I'm really nervous for the same reason. I'm really nervous about not knowing anybody and I'm starting to realize that I have no idea how to approach people I don't know and start conversations, introduce myself, etc. without seeming completely awkward.
How do you start conversations with people in your classes?
I'll be spending at least the next two years with the people in my program and I'd like to at least get to know a few of them. :/ Btw I'm a girl.. And I'm only including that because with guys it's a little simpler they tend to just open with a "Sup, bro!" and call it a day.</p>

<p>Very few guys are going to be rude if a girl walks up, puts out her hand and says (in any tone of voice, including quavering with closed eyes) “Hey, my name is _____.” Where you go from there is up to you, but it’s not inappropriate to say e.g. you’re new and that you were wondering whether he could help you find something.</p>

<p>In fact, getting help finding something is a perfect way to walk up to a complete stranger and get them to talk to you. Ideally, know where the destination is and be sure you’re 1-2 minutes away (not too far, but not within pointing distance). Use different things for different people. Get their name, thank them profusely and tell them you’ll see them around / hang out sometime. Easy.</p>

<p>i agree aegrisomnia almost no guy is going to turn away a girl talking to them, but rlly all it takes is smile and the word hi ,how are you doing to get a conversation started</p>

<p>Try the “Hi, I’m new here” approach…worked for me when I was growing up in a military family…</p>

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<p>this, but if you’re ugly, guys aren’t going to want to talk to you. if a guy is seen with an ugly girl, it lowers their social status. how many attractive guys do you see talking to girls just to talk? None. When guys talk to girls they’re usually attracted to them and want something out of it (dat ass). ask yourself this, would you want to talk to a ugly guy just to talk?</p>

<p>this of course is if you’re ugly. If you’re extremely attractive then talk away! guys love it when attractive girls come and talk to them.</p>

<p>So what you’re saying is ugly girls are pretty much screwed lol good to know.</p>

<p>It’s easy to talk to other girls- just find something about them to compliment and ask a follow up question (example: “I love your purse! Where’d you get it?”).</p>

<p>Guys will not blow off ugly chicks. Even if they do, you’ve at least identified guys not worth your time.</p>

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<p>it’s a fact attractive people have it easier than unattractive people. i don’t mind since i’ve been blessed with the god’s power.</p>

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<p>that’s like saying girls won’t blow off an ugly guy</p>

<p>There are a lot of random conversation starters that I use:
~“Hi! My name is <em>” is the most basic one.
~I’ve talked about weather a lot (it’s such a nice day today…*smile) then transition to another subject if they seem like a decent conversationalist.
~I generally like making jokes/making fun of something as an introduction. A short quip that doesn’t offend but is relevant to the class/surroundings in question
~Not necessarily a funny quip, but an observation that kind of introduces you as a new student indirectly “wow, this place is NOTHING like my old college…”
~“I like your dress. or nice jacket” “Your shoes are so cute! Where did you get them?” etc. Nothing like a compliment to open things up, especially with other girls.
~Once you get further on in a class…“hey, do you have any idea how this problem works? By chance do you understand </em> concept? I’m a little confused…” etc.<br>
~Complain about something that is relatively universal “wow it is so ridiculous that…”</p>

<p>I could go on and on…I like to talk a lot, especially to random people lol. Half of the time I just talk to myself and then people sometimes join in the convo haha</p>

<p>It’s sad that this is a thread.</p>

<p>some guys are not like that</p>

<p>Just as many guys would feel intimidated by talking with attractive women as there are guys who would avoid talking with an ugly one. The same can be said for girls.</p>

<p>Anyhoo. </p>

<p>Usually when I start conversation its because i’ve jumped into one already in progress, by making a funny/off hand remark about the topic. If I get a good response from the people I’ll introduce myself and carry on, if I get a negative reaction I just move on.</p>