<p>Hi, so somehow I got a single, so no roommate for me! But, I'm a little worried about making friends. I'm in Newhouse for journalism, so obviously I will have to talk to people for class assignments or articles in the school newspaper. I also know a few people going into Syracuse/Newhouse. Beyond meeting people, though, I can be really shy. I've been working on being more social, but I still have some social anxiety rooted from my time from kindergarten to 7th grade as a special ed kid. If older SU students or my more extroverted peers have some advice on making friends, that would be great. Thanks!</p>
<p>Hi. My daughter also has a single at Syracuse and is worried as well. I would LOVE to give you her contact information, but she would not like that. I wouldn’t call her shy, but she is not bubbly and approachable : ).</p>
<pre><code> I think you both will be fine. Keep your door open the first few days. Everyone else will be worried as well. It is not a given that you would be best friends with your roommate if you had one. I did not spend any time with my roommate Freshman year when I went to college back in the old days. You will meet people in your classes. It seems as if there are a lot of social things going on during the first few days. It’s a big school! Just remember, there is at least one (and probably hundreds more) freshman girl who feels the same way you do…
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<p>You get what you put out. Start with smiling and saying hello to people. I know it doesn’t feel natural, but you have to fight through it. Put it out there and some will come back. For those that do reciprocate try a bit of small talk. Sports, entertainment, and the one that never misses-complaining about the cafeteria food. GL.</p>
<p>Many moons ago a very shy and reserved 17 year old young man arrived at SU (Lawrinson, to be exact) and was absolutely terrified to be in an environment where he did not know anyone. On his first day at SU, after his parents had dropped him off, this young man went to the Sadler Dinning Hall to eat and had to muster all of the courage that he had to sit down next to another young man that was seated by himself and who did not seem to know anyone. </p>
<p>Fast forward to today and I can tell you that the young man that was shy and reserved was transformed by SU. The many experiences that SU offered me made me what I am today. It was a slow transformation, but I can honestly say that my experience at SU changed me from a shy young man to a person that was open to meeting new people and to experience new things. And, yes, the young man that I met at Sadler is today my best friend. </p>
<p>My very reserved D2 will be going to college in a few days (not SU) and I hope and pray that her experience will transform her as SU transformed me!</p>
<p>SU will give you so many opportunities to meet new people and experience new things - take advantage of all of them. Enjoy SU and all that it will offer you. Good luck - SU will change you.</p>