<p>I'm from out of state and I moved into East Halls yesterday. My roommate is from PA and has a lot of friends from HS and so my roommate has been spending a lot of time with them. Unfortunately, my roommate won't introduce me and said to me, "I'd rather keep my HS friends with my HS friends. I don't want to intermingle." Yesterday and today, I've walked around my floor, introducing myself and being extra friendly with small talk. I just feel like I'm not really making connections with my floormates because they tend to do things with their roommates and I don't have a roommate to fall back on because mine is never here. Plus, a lot of people leave their door shut and I feel like that's a sign that they don't want to reach out to new people.</p>
<p>Would I stand a good shot at making friends with other freshmen through classes and clubs? I'm a science major and I take school very seriously. I'd like to find people who are focused on the same goals and interests as I am.</p>
<p>I am sorry you are having a tough time meeting people. I would STRONGLY suggest getting involved in something - a club or activity. And take advantage of the huge activities that will be going on next week. I was amazed at the number and variety of things that were planned.</p>
<p>And if your roommate is gone and you are comfortable with the idea…keep your door open. We laughed at a sign posted on DS’s floor that said “We have food!” We thought that was a great way to meet people!</p>
<p>Things should get easier as classes start and you are “exposed” to more people. Good luck!</p>
<p>we have two sons who are at UPark, and our oldest one had a similar situation at first when he was in east. He didn’t know anyone and his roommate was never around. Our son is a quiet, non-partying type and although he did try introducing himself to a few other kids on the floor, it was a challenge to really connect with anyone at first. </p>
<p>Your RA may organize some floor/hall get-togethers, so that might help you meet some of the other kids. I also like the above idea of leaving your door open to encourage others to stop in. </p>
<p>It does get easier when classes start, because you can connect with other students who have similar academic interests. One thing that worked for my son: he wore t-shirts to class that related to some of his interests (his favorite bands, video games, TV shows, etc.). That served as an ice-breaker, as sometimes it prompted other kids who liked the same things to come up and start conversations about it. </p>
<p>I definitely would encouarge you to get involved in clubs and other activities. Also, they do have events at the Hub on weekends for students who want to socialize and meet other students without hitting the party scene. (If you are into video games, there are also the gaming commons where some students - including many who are really into their studies - hang out to socialize and take a break from studying.) </p>
<p>Hang in there - I know it can be overwhelming/lonely at first, but there are lots of other students in the same boat and it does get easier once everyone had a chance to make some connections.</p>
<p>Check out the Fall 2010 Student Involvement Days: August 23-26 in Alumni Hall of the HUB-Robeson Center. “Approximately 150 student organizations will set up displays to recruit new members each day and to give out free stuff. This is an opportunity for all new students to get an idea of what campus life is like at Penn State. Also, if a student organization is not at the fair, the staff from the Office of Student Activities can help students get connected with that group.”</p>
<p>I think joining a volunteer organization is often a good way to meet people as you are working together towards a common goal.</p>
<p>Can you get in touch with housing and see if it would be possible to move to the SLO? Things are always in flux a little at the beginning of the year as some students don’t show or otherwise change plans.</p>
<p>Hey Stealth, Don’t fret yet. It is still VERY early in the year. I remember it was kind of awkward for the first few weeks with meeting people and getting involved with things on campus. Just stay with it. You are doing the right thing introducing yourself to others on your floor but remember, they probably are feeling the same thing as you right now. </p>
<p>Tonight you’ll have a chance to go to dinner and then G.Span’s freshmen convocation with your RA and the other first years on your floor. Take advantage of that to meet people and make deeper connections. Your RA will also start holding social programs on your floor. Go to them.</p>
<p>And that “We have food!” sign is great! I met a guy when I helped my sister move into her dorm - her door was open, and he just strolled right into our lives. Been friends ever since. </p>
<p>It’s a huge adjustment and can be lonely at first, but I’d say just give it time. I was never close with any of my roommates when I lived on campus, but it wasn’t a big deal after I started meeting people in classes, etc.</p>
<p>hang in there. Look around for someone who is standing alone at an event and go over and talk with them. Look for that kid who is eating alone. Go over and grab a seat. You have to keep putting yourself out there. Sorry about the roomate. His loss.</p>
<p>I spent three years in the dorms, the best roommate I ever had was indifferent at best - random chance was not good to me. I checked out a couple of clubs and found one that was odd but full of great people - I won’t mention which club, as it has changed drastically since my time there. 15 years later, most of my good friends come from that one group, including my wife. There is hope.</p>
<p>My son also had so-so dorm roommates. (Freshman year he intentionally chose not to room with someone from HS, then was randomly assigned one!) Now he is in an apartment with friends he met in a club.</p>