Blog post written by Hunter Amo
As a student who has transferred from two different colleges, I’m no stranger to first-day jitters. Classrooms full of unfamiliar faces, and butterflies flooding my stomach. And, let’s be real: the first-day anxiety of a new semester never truly goes away. Usually, the following goes through my head: where to sit, who to talk to, and is this outfit okay? (And I’m sure a lot of you can relate). And that point is something that we all need to realize—everyone has the same fears, doubts, and anxieties. It means we have more in common than we think.
Below, I have compiled a list of ways to reach out to potential best friends and opportunities to meet new people. These are simple methods, but that doesn’t mean that they are easy; it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there. Just remember that being brave isn’t the absence of fear—it’s being scared and doing it anyway.
Assume everyone feels awkward (because they do)
Walking into a classroom with no one that I recognize is already enough to make my heart start pounding. Add in a new professor, students in desks lining the perimeter of the classroom, and a deadly silence—that’s a recipe for heart palpitations.
Here’s what I remind myself: the person bouncing their leg and restlessly looking around? They are also overthinking where to sit and who to talk to. I’m not alone in my struggles, and we are all hesitant about making the first move. Once I repeat that mantra enough, I start to remember that my classmates are just fellow students, not personality critics.
Don’t be intimidated by a commuter campus
Making friends at a commuter campus like UM-Dearborn, I’ve learned, is easier than one would think. In fact, it’s really convenient to be able to go out to lunch after class with a new friend, do a study session at the library, or stop by their house to debrief life. And don’t get me started on the lengthy conversations I’ve had with classmates in the parking lot once lecture is over—I have probably spent hours chatting away and standing in front of my car, rain or shine.
Another fun part about commuting is the opportunity to carpool with friends. This year, I carpooled with one of my best friends every Wednesday, and we would take turns driving each other. Fact: car karaoke is always more fun with another person.
Introduce yourself and stay away from the outskirts
Instinctually, I think we all want to disappear into a classroom's dark, creepy corners with a stone-cold poker face. The idea of having access to my very own outlet for any battery-related emergencies is definitely a plus, but the downside is that there would be no one to chat with when my professor inevitably says, “Turn and talk to a partner!”
It’s important to be open, friendly, and deliberate. An introduction is one of the easiest ways to connect with others. And don’t be afraid to engage in small talk! Think of the “small talk phase” as a bridge we all have to pass—once it’s over, we never have to go through the basics again, and we can focus on the fun stuff. Why are we both taking this class? What interests do we have in common? What goals do we hope to achieve after university? This is also a great time to exchange socials, so you have someone’s notes to peek at when you miss class.
Consider applying for an on-campus job
Student employment is a totally underrated way of getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people. Because I’m a blog writer, I have many opportunities to collaborate with my amazing coworker (hey, Andrew!), interview people, and attend events to gather content for my blog. One of my articles took me on a journey to the Swing Dance Club, which was a whirlwind of eccentric personalities and incredible dance moves. I wouldn’t have put myself out there if not for my job, and I’m really grateful that I have the opportunity to be creative and meet new people in places that I normally wouldn’t have looked.
Whether you are building rapport by scanning M-Cards at the Wellness Center or searching for people to interview for your next blog piece, it’s a guaranteed way to meet new faces and get to know the community.
Make your presence known around campus
Finally, here’s a rapid-fire list of places to hang out, study and people-watch. It’s easy to underestimate the power of simply existing in a space, even if you aren’t feeling chatty—the more you hang around campus, the more people recognize you. There are so many ways to make new connections in these spots: approach people, let people approach you, or simply vibe.
- The Mardigian Library (perfect for finding study partners)
- The McKinley Café (lots of hustle and bustle, and a meal is always more enjoyable when shared)
- Student organizations and events (Duh!)
- The EIC nature trails (the “it” place for nature lovers)
- Chancellor’s Pond (the sound of running water, warm sunshine on your face, and lounge chairs… what more can you ask for?)
So, here’s the gist: I make the effort to get out of my comfort zone. I put on a smile even if I’m feeling nervous, make small talk even though I find it tedious, and make my presence known on campus. Ah, the sacrifices that I make for human connection. But that’s what life is all about, right? Finding your people, eating good food together and laughing until your stomach hurts.
