<p>I'm a senior and I virtually know no one (one or two distant aquaintances that don't even live around me that I've only met once in my life, basically dad's friend's kids) at the college I'm going to attend this coming fall. And I live too far from the school to justify paying a plane ticket + hotel + fees to justify going to orientation this summer. </p>
<p>The thing is, I know everyone's going to say, just introduce yourself, it'll work out, but I went to high school where I knew no one, tried the whole hi my name is blah blah blah, and it was hell for me. And I'm going to be a very small minority at the college (which I'll be honest, I'm not used to). </p>
<p>Any tips to hopefully make this easier? From any current college person? Or anyone else in the same situation?</p>
<p>That's how everyone starts. And then everyone goes to orientation and gets to know each other so that by the time classes start everyone knows at least another person or two. Go to orientation. It's useful for something.</p>
<p>Dreamer: Life is really a series of transitions. The better you get at making them the easier they are. You are going to have to continue to force yourself out of your comfort zone. It's not easy but it is a great quality to have.</p>
<p>I would suggest immediately getting involved in some hands on clubs where you do stuff. Intermurals, robotics club, student gov't, student newspaper; whatever your interest is. The busier you are the more people you will meet and the purpose of the club will drive the conversation. Join, join, join.</p>
<p>Leave your dorm room door open. Stop at peoples open dorm room and say hi, ask people to lunch, dinner. </p>
<p>Sit in the same area every day in all your classes. People do this out of habit. Talk to the kids around you.</p>
<p>Do not wait for people to come to you. College freshman are egocentric. They don't leave you out on purpose. They just don't think to ask you to join them. It is in no way a reflection on you. You have to do the asking and set things up.</p>
<p>Leave your H.S. stereotypes behind. Give everyone a chance.</p>
<p>Facebook, facebook, facebook. Friend everyone you meet and figure out something to write on their wall every couple of days.</p>
<p>My son went to a summer program and could not figure out how everybody knew so much about each other and already seemed like friends. Finally figured out that they had a facebook group months before the program and had been getting to know one another already.</p>
<p>You really should go to orientation, it helps alot with just getting comfortable being around so many people all the time. </p>
<p>As everyone else has said, once you get your college email, facebook people. People that will be living in your dorm, or are in your major, or whatever. Other incoming freshmen will be glad to see someone else taking the initiative to friend them so they don't have to do it. Just don't be creepy and friend a bunch of older people in your major. Maybe message a couple to ask them what it's like and stuff, but that's it. If you find you like talking to them, then friend them. </p>
<p>Definitely get involved in clubs and stuff. If you're on a relatively large campus (can be anything 10,000+) there's probably hundreds of clubs you've never heard of before but will make you think Dude that is so cool, I want to join that. Try out a bunch of club (4-5) and then decide which ones you really like and try out as an officer in no more than 3, probably 2 is best. Even if you're on a smaller campus, they are bound to have several clubs as well. </p>
<p>Trust me, I was shyest of the shy in high school. I have all of 3 people from high school that I still regularly converse with. I have lots of different friends here, in different circles (yet, somehow someone still seems to know someone else in another circle. funny how it works that way even with 23,000 people here).</p>
<p>we're in the same boat ordinarydreamer! I don't know a single person going to the same college!.. I'll have to wait to meet all of them in August. I might send some e-mails to 3 or 4 people who seem really friendly, but I'm not sure yet.</p>
<p>I think it's way better going to a school where you don't know anyone, especially if it's a private university. Everybody else will be in the same boat. I'm sure it'll be really easy to make friends.</p>
<p>I'm kind of worrying about going to my state university next year. I feel like everybody there will have their circles from HS and all, and they'll be hard to break into (none of my friends will be there really).</p>
<p>xaster, i can't figure out ur new language of dots, but i got this to say: u should not make friends for the sake of just talking or feeling comforted. there is plenty of occasions when people will come to u (instead of u making the initiation). THAT IS, IF u have something that is laudable such as intellect or an estraordinary talent.</p>
<p>join a club or 2 about something that you are interested in.</p>
<p>there is a reason high school "jocks" seem to know everyone- they do. if they play 3 sports with 20 people on each team, there are probably about 45 (getting rid of other people that play more than one of the sport) people that that person will be very tight with. the same goes for clubs. if you feel like your social skills aren't what they should be, structured environments of clubs and activities are a good way to meet people who you can spend time with.</p>
<p>I understand how you feel. :) I'm going to Boston University and I live in Mauritius. No one I know is going there. Still, I guess it's just one more thing to adapt to.</p>
<p>I go to a school where I dont know anyone. Its a large out of state school about 6 hours from my house. I made friends because I played pickup soccer and volleyball and basketball every day for my first 6 weeks or so. I wasnt afraid to intoduce myself to people.</p>
<p>Also, if your religious, a great way to meet people is in Campus Crusade for Christ, or Young Life. These are a greaat way to meet good natured people .</p>
<p>Even at my school, about half the kids there were in the same boat as me, knowing 5 or less people who go to school there.</p>