<p>I just moved across the country and I am starting my first year of college in the spring semester. I don't know anyone and it kind of sucks because everyone is already friends with each other from the fall semester that I didn't attend. I'm kind of shy too, so I'm not really the type to just go up to people and introduce myself. It's my fourth week and I haven't made any friends. So, any tips on making friends? How do I meet people? How long did it take you to make friends? </p>
<p>P.S. I'm not a total weirdo. I've been told I'm an attractive female? (not trying to sound stuck up here... because I'm not!)</p>
<p>Join clubs. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s true. Last year I also entered in the spring semester and knew no one (and it was bad because I didn’t live on campus). This past semester I joined the art club of my only friend, and it’s the best thing I’ve done. Sure it took me a couple of meetings to get comfortable with people (because they all knew each other really well), but over time I started making great friends. The great thing about a club is that new people come in sometimes, so there are more people to welcome in and befriend.</p>
<p>Remember that you can’t make friends unless you put yourself out there. There is no limit to how many clubs you can join. Good luck!</p>
<p>^Agreed. I was wary of joining too many things my freshman year because I wanted to focus on my academics (my college is notorious for grade deflation), but ultimately, I think joining a close-knit club would have been a great idea. Do some research and figure out which groups are the closest–some clubs meet once in a blue moon and have stiff meetings, while others meet several times a week and become family–and join a tight-knit one. On my campus, those groups are theater, a capella, and sports teams (and, to a lesser extent, debate). </p>
<p>I can’t overstate the benefits of surrounding yourself with new freshman friends and upperclassmen who can give you advice, academic or otherwise. Just do it!</p>