<p>I need some help here. Daughter is out of state. Lived in Columbia Hall last year, met some nice people but rarely sees them now. She resides off campus now with 3 other girls. Seems that these girls are now into the "downtown" scene. That's OK with D once in a while. However, she seeks more on-campus activities and a desire to meet good, quality college kids -- not necessary "nerds", but not 24/7 drinkers either (did not intend that to be offensive, daughter admits the nerd in her!!). She loves to have fun; loves campus but feels a disconnect this year. She's an outstanding student. One roomie dates a boy from Columbia who is not a college student. Seems they hang around him a lot and that's just not what she wants. She needs to make some new friends, too. Perhaps some that are more like her. She's really, really feeling lost. Any suggestions? Roommates are kind of loud, the one with the bf has him staying there more than she'd like (I have a problem with that, too, since I'm paying 25% of the rent). Things are just messed up right now. She gets down and thinks it's too late to make new friends. Help!! She needs a good bunch of people to hang with, party with and make lasting friendships with. Does anyone know of a good organization? She's not keen on sororities, I don't think!!</p>
<p>I was going to say that a sorority has been a lifesaver for my OOS daughter, but you said probably "no" to sororities and the big sorority recruitment period has already passed for the year.
Sooo, I would also suggest club or intramural sports teams, or any clubs, particularly any club that's big on volunteering because they will always want more help!!</p>
<p>I don't know if dance marathon is open to all students or just greeks, but it can be a very fun ( and time consuming) volunteer event. The students work for months before the event to prepare for the big day.</p>
<p>Would she be interested in a campus job? I met a lot of cool people at my food service job in college and we hung out after work a lot.</p>
<p>Also - they have an outdoor club at USC that has camping trips, rafting trips, etc. A great place to have fun and make new friends that are doing something other than drinking.
Good luck to her...the roommate thing can be rough sometimes.</p>
<p>carol
what does D like to do? what are her interests outside of the classroom?
there's so many clubs on campus that can occupy her time IF they match up to her interests...the newspaper, the other media (radio station,etc) Carolina Productions can be fun and very time consuming if you let it,Service Council, the religious based groups, become involved in student gov't, certain majors are still looking for reps to the student gov't council..the list is in today's Daily Gamecock.How about an on campus or even off campus job?
Theres an out of state mentor group that S's friend is active in..I dont know how busy they are but they take some trips and since shes not a freshman she could be in the mentor role.How about the club thats associated with her major?
She needs to shop around and not be afraid to try things out..step outside her comfort zone and show up alone to events.I know its hard for girls to do these things alone but shes got to try.
Did she get a ticket for Kevin Smith tonight? It's only $5, and hes bound to be funny and entertaining.
Is she interested in open mikes,acoustic performance, or poetry readings? the coffeehouse at the Bookstore does these and its an okay place to show up alone.
There are so many sports groups, if thats her interest. There was an article recently about the "Surf Club" on campus. Only half the kids actually surf but I guess the others like the "vibe" or want to go on the trips.Theres intramurals. Does her off campus housing have volleyball courts? A pool? A clubhouse with activities,mixers or an exercise room? She's got to push herself to take advantage, she never knows how she will meet.
Half the battle is a willingness to push herself and go places alone.It's so hard for women.
Did she attend the activities fair on Greene St?
Shes got to find some absorbing activities and expand her social network.</p>
<p>Hi Carol,
I am probably not one to give advice since my daughter is just a freshman. And I know you said you didn't think your daughter was into sororities but I have to say it has been the best thing for my daughter. (I had my reservations about them but she wanted to try it). She has made so many friends and we are also from out of state. She did say there was an additional recruitment going on this week because the sororites need to bring their enrollments up to 200 each. Not sure if that exactly correct but that is what I got from her.<br>
I agree with the others if not Greek life I would guess a club exists that matches some of her interests. It is definately hard to put yourself out there. I'm sorry she is not as happy as last year. it's hard for both of you especially when you are far away. Good luck.</p>
<p>A job at a restaurant could definitely expand her social circles (I even found my husband while waitressing!)</p>