School days
are always fun; you are thrown together with a bunch off classmates you have
for years and have fixed social activities, classes and much more that make
making and maintaining friendships much easier. Students often leave the nest
to pursue higher studies like mass communication
courses in mumbai and other cities around the world, suddenly finding
themselves in completely new environments and surrounded by a totally new set
of people.
If you are
social enough or an extroverted to begin with, finding new friends and making
contacts becomes much easier. But for those are more shy, fitting in and making
the most of the college experience becomes a slightly tougher experience
causing a lot of anxiety and stress, not to mention more serious problems like
depression.
Here are a
few tips to help you enjoy the college experience a little more and broaden
your social experiences -
- Firstly, remember that many students like yourself are finding themselves in the same boat and feeling a little out of place, timid and even uncomfortable. Some just manage to hide it much better. Don't feel weird or afraid when approaching your fellow classmates and take the lead to start a little casual or polite conversation. Even simple questions about themselves or a discussion about a class you are about to take or have just taken can help open a floodgate of conversation and help you make new acquaintances.
- Another great way to meet new people is to find social groups in your institution. Colleges often have a plethora of student groups ranging from those based around sports and recreational activities, extra curricular groups, social work and volunteering groups, dramatics, and much more. In larger schools students also often form international communities to help them meet more people from their home countries and organise fun social and cultural events. Find out what kinds exist in your college or around it and join a couple that interest you. You might just meet like minded people and it always feels great to be part of a community and be part of many different activities.
- Make a study group – Not only does research say that studying with others help you fare better in your own work and do better in exams, it can also serve as a good way to mingle more with your classmates. Initially a common goal to do better academically and help each other will bind a bunch of students together and then can develop into a more social relationship if you happen to hit it off.
- Accept more invites - Invited to a dorm mates party down the hall or a party in the next hostel or having a college social do? Sometimes all it takes is the first step of accepting invites and getting over your shyness and going. You will learn to meet new people in a more close setting and since everyone is out to have a good time, the atmosphere is more relaxed and festive. Off course always remember to make sure your safety is top priority. If you don't know anyone at all and there is going to be alcohol on the premises or you have a feeling that things aren't right, trust your instincts and leave. Make sure you have a way to get home after a late night affair and don't accept drinks from strangers when you can't see where they have been poured from.
College can
be a super fun experience and one that teaches you far more than just the
course you have gone to study. Remember to make the most of it!
