<p>In high school it took me a while to find a good group friends because I really didn't open myself up. I was slow to make friends because I got a "culture shock" coming from a small catholic private school from K-8 to a public high school of 2000 kids. It wasn't until my senior year that I finally enjoyed myself. </p>
<p>I believe that I definitely opened up during the last year, but I want to continue this trend.</p>
<p>How do I avoid being hesitant to make friends? I heard that most of the social circles are formed within the first few weeks of school. </p>
<p>I want college to be the best 4 years of my life where I make great friendships, learn new things about myself, and to expand myself socially as well as mentally. </p>
<p>I'm pretty easy to get along with and I am fairly outgoing. But it just takes me a little bit to open up. How do I make a good first impression??</p>
<p>I remember that during my freshman year, the RAs in the dorms put on a bunch events that allowed kids to interact. There were late night games at the rec center like laser tag and pool parties with county fair party games where all of the freshmen would end up going because they didn’t know what else to do. These events were all very silly, but I honestly met many of my best friends through those. I met my girlfriend of 3.5 years playing putt-putt in a dorm hallway. Get out of your room and attend all of these events and you will be fine.</p>
<p>During the first few weeks, everyone will be in the same boat as you and will want to make new friends. You will find it is a lot easier than you think. If you are still having issues making friends, join a club or Greek organization that interests you. You are bound to find some like-minded people there.</p>
<p>I would start by making an informed choice on what college to attend. Do your research. Choose a place where they have the clubs/activities that interest you, and where you get a good vibe from the students. You can tell when you visit if the students are friendly, helpful, welcoming, or not, and just whether you feel you belong there. </p>
<p>Once there, keep your door open when in your room, and try to be out and about as much as possible. A part time job is also a great way to meet down-to-earth people.</p>
<p>I recently posted a similar thread, about trying to make friends as a new older student. One suggestion I have from my experience in the past two weeks is to show up early to class! Last week I was arriving to class right on time (about 5 min. before lecture began) and I didn’t get a chance to talk to my classmates. This week I decided to show up 10-15 minutes early for each class. While waiting for the class to begin I shot the **** with a couple of classmates. Just start out talking about class, what was the HW, have you bought the book yet, I think the professor is cool, strict, funny… something along those lines and then you can talk about other stuff! Hope this helps :)</p>