How to meet people when you start university
So, you’ve made the tough decision of deciding which university to go to, and found the right fit for your personal and professional goals. But now that the major academic questions are out of the way, you want to make sure you enjoy the social connections and fun activities that are an essential part of the overall post-secondary experience. Here are some tips to get you on the fast track to making friends for life.
Don’t skip orientation. Also known as Frosh, this jam-packed week or so is your first opportunity to start meeting new people, and it’s filled with exciting events like dances, boat cruises, ice breakers and local adventures to help you discover your new city. If you’re not into big festivities, pick a handful of low-key activities to attend.
Start with a smaller circle. Many big universities are divided into smaller colleges to foster real close-knit community vibes. At York, there are nine colleges divided by majors, so you’ll be sure to have plenty to talk about with the people in yours.
Dive into residence life. You’ll be spending tons of time hanging out with these folks in your sweats, making your roomies the perfect people to strike up a conversation on everything from microwave haute cuisine to exam cramming tips. Plus, there’s opportunities to participate in residence social events or get a gig as a don.
Get a side hustle. A job, internship or work/study placement is a great way to meet new interesting people, while forging a professional network of contacts in your industry, getting valuable resume experience and earning some cash.
Follow your passion. Doing what you love will make you happy, give you self-confidence and help you meet people with the same values and interests. Whether you volunteer for a good cause, join one of 300+ clubs on campus, write for the school paper or one of dozens of campus publications, or participate in a team or friendly intramurals, the possibilities are endless.
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