<p>To start this off... I am most definitely an introvert. Given the option of staying in my room and relaxing or going to a party with a bunch of loud drunk people I've never met, I'll take the first one. Even when it's with people I do know, I have a really low tolerance for a ton of noise and people. While I'm happy doing this every weekend for now, 4 years of it is gonna get old. </p>
<p>On top of that... My only real hobby is playing music. Specifically marching band, and a little bit of concert stuff, so I'm not really into popular music. Unfortunately I'm not a music major, nor was I able to auditon for the marching band, sooo I really have no way of meeting people who share interests with me. </p>
<p>I'll be able to audition next year, but for now do I just... Suck it up? Try to find something in with people I don't have much in common with? In high school 95% of the people I hung out with were other band people, and I kinda struggle to find a whole lot to really talk about when I'm with other groups.</p>
<p>You don’t have to join a club that is dedicated to a particular interest or hobby. You can join an academic org and try to meet people through events there. They don’t necessarily need to be the social events either. They may have volunteering events or other opportunities where you can meet people as you work towards doing something productive. If you’re comfortable with it, try to help plan events or get some sort of leadership role where you will be working with other people a lot. If you live in a dorm on campus, you can go to events that your dorm holds and try to just chat with people there.</p>
<p>If you’re not comfortable striking up conversations with people at random events, then try to put yourself in situations where you will be regular contact with people. Perhaps, you can try to get a part time job at a location where a lot of students work (like the dining hall, library, or student center). It’ll help you keep busy and perhaps give you a chance to regularly see and talk to the same people. I met a lot of people at work that I objectively didn’t have that much in common with, but we still became great friends. I’m very much a shy introvert, as well, and it was easier for me to meet people initially this way because it was a bit like high school–you see the same people repeatedly, and you have a built in topic of conversation (work). Perhaps, you can recreate that sort of experience, by getting a job where you work with a lot of students, by getting really involved with a club (academic org, maybe something related to your major?), by going to events, etc.</p>
<p>Also, remember that meeting people is really the first step. If you want to develop a friendship, you need to spend time with them, rather than just see them every once in a while. Try to invite people to do things–go to the movies, to the mall, check out a new restaurant, study in the library, go grocery shopping, whatever. </p>
<p>And definitely join band, when you get a chance. That’s a wonderful way to meet some really great people.</p>
<p>Not everyone likes going to loud parties with excessive drinking every weekend. You’ll find that the first few weeks everyone goes out constantly, but there are people who stay in or do less “loud” things more and more often the further they get away from orientation. Not saying a lot people don’t party 4 nights a week all 4 years, just saying the options to do other things with people grow after the first little bit.</p>
<p>Yeah… unless I know I have something in common with people, say at a rehearsal or whatever, I really don’t talk much. I would get a job, but between school and teaching I don’t have time this semester. </p>
<p>It’s kind of odd. I’m not exactly unhappy, at least right now, because school, teaching, and practicing keeps me plenty busy. I also don’t feel like doing this for all 4 years… I’ll be even busier soon with auditions, but those won’t be for school related groups, so I won’t get much of a chance to meet people at my school.</p>
<p>I also am undecided in my major right now, so I can’t really meet anyone through that.</p>
<p>You can smile and meet folks in class. Strike up a conversation–try to arrive a bit early and speak with others who are there. Talk about the course and ask others for suggested classes next term. Ask folks about their majors and why they chose ylthem, explaining you’re undecided. Ask to share a table with someone dining alone. Try getting together with the other teachers so you can dine together and share what is working well and what isn’t.</p>