<p>I'm an incoming freshman, and I've started thinking about this more now that orientation is next month. </p>
<p>I've read that people here are mostly introverted and really studious, and that it's not a party school. These things give me hope because I'm really shy and I don't like crowds, so my ideal social life would involve hanging around with a few people at a time, having conversations and stuff. I'm planning to join some student organizations. </p>
<p>So I'm wondering what the people are like, and what I can do to make friends. I'll be commuting from a few miles away, if that has any effect on anything. </p>
<p>You might have a little bit of trouble at first because initially, you’ll either encounter many people who tend to stay in their rooms or the big partiers around. But once you join a few organizations, it should be much better. Unfortunately, Case does not provide many events or other means for people to meet others (other than sponsoring Greek Life everywhere), so as it stands, the best way to make friends is like high school…going to class, doing extracurriculars, meeting people you live with or close to.</p>
<p>As long as you stay involved, you should find the things you’re looking for, whether it be parties, simple gatherings, activities, whatever. The only caveat I have is that as a commuter, you may not experience the true dorm atmosphere and the setting of living with your friends. That being said, you can still find your group by keeping yourself on campus and to be quite honest, the dorm (at least the one I stayed in) really wasn’t my friend circle anyways.</p>
<p>Go to whatever freshman orientation events there are. THose are where I met my friends back in the day. Everyone else is new and wants to make friends. You can ask what are you majoring, what dorm are you in as easy ice breakers. Don’t think “these activities are lame”…it isn’t about the activities, but about having chances to meet people. If you see someone you have met walk over to them. Have them introduce the people they have just met. You do the same.</p>
<p>Talk to people in your classes. Maybe ask them about the homework. Perhaps form a study group.</p>
<p>Try to go to some campus events…like if there is a movie, ask someone you know from class if they are going.</p>
<p>Talk to people in the Commuter Lounge. Ask them what strategies they found useful in meeting people.</p>
<p>Go to Commute Club events.</p>
<p>Join Clubs or intramural team. Talk to people there. </p>
<p><a href=“Academic Resources | Student Success”>https://students.case.edu/education/commuter/</a> has more info.</p>
<p>I just finished my Freshman year, and as a girl who is pretty introverted myself, I can honestly say that I was able to make some of the most unforgettable memories and incredible friends by going out of my comfort zone a litte bit and just getting involved around campus.</p>
<p>Yes, Case does have a wide range of introverts and hard-workers as well as the occasional social butterflies and frequent partiers, but that’s what makes it so easy to find a group you’re comfortable with. DEFINITELY try to join clubs that interest you, whether it’s a dance club, educational club, or cultural club. I made a majority of my friends through clubs and sorority rush, and I definitely wouldn’t have had such a positive first-year experience if I had never went out of my comfort zone to get involved.</p>
<p>In general, most students at Case accept the fact that we’re all a bit nerdy in one way or another, but because of this, students here are very very friendly and accepting. The student groups/clubs on campus try to be as welcoming as the can, and they get really excited when freshmen show up to their meetings and events in the beginning of the year.</p>
<p>So don’t be shy and just get involved! You’ll find your niche sooner or later. 
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<p>OK, a mom here of an incoming freshman. From what I know the Class of 2018 Facebook page is pretty active. While the girls only roommate finding FB is now pretty quiet, it was very active and my daughter found a great roommate. They text/instagram each other many times a day while planning who is bringing what. There is also a CWRU hosted pizza party in NYC next weekend so kids can meet each other- maybe there is something in the Cleveland area also? </p>
<p>Since you are a local student, I am sure students not from Cleveland would love to see some postings from you about fun things to do. If you have not done so, it is not too late to join the FB page. </p>
<p>My son finished his freshman year at Case and made a lot of very good friends. Since we live in Pittsburgh he brought friends who live further away home with him during the shorter breaks. All the kids I’ve met are very nice. </p>
<p>Fellow Clevelander! Orientation is a great way to meet new people. Also, try to find the hang out spots in university circle. You’ll find a lot of Case kids wandering and exploring just like yourself. Case also has some welcome programs as well</p>
<p>I know that the orientation is required, but what does that mean exactly? Do I have to go to every event in the schedule?</p>
<p>You will have to go to all the events in the first few days. But many of the events are just optional after that. Your orientation leader will let you know which events are mandatory and which are not.</p>