Tell me how to fit in as a new college student?

Question

I have no pre-existing friends/family in the area, since I'm from out-of-state going to the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities.

But I'm open to doing social activities and chilling with people.

Will I do fine?

Answer 1

You have no need to worry whatsoever about not having friends or family in the area. Along with the fact that there are many people like you (even coming from cities in the same state that are far away, they may not know anyone either), most people won't already have a pre-existing group of friends. Since you're going to be living on-campus, you'll be right in the middle of events and stuff. You'll probably get to know everyone on your floor soon enough; you'll meet your roommates' friends and friends of people on your floor. You'll be fine with the social scene; anyone who's open enough to meeting other people will do fine. If you still feel like you're not meeting enough people, join a bunch of clubs that you're interested in (political philosophies, environmntal groups, AIDS projects, you know what I mean), and you'll meet people who share similar interests.

I commute to campus so I don't really know anyone, but people I know who live in the dorms are really involved if they want to be. They have tons of friends just from all over the place (like compared to my 40 or so Facebook friends from UCLA, they have friends in the hundreds). I'm not much of a social person, though; it's really all up to how you take advantage of where you are.

Good luck, and have fun! But more than anything, study hard, since that's what you're in college for anyway =)

Answer 2

Hey! Welcome to Minnesota! :) I actually live in the Twin Cities, and it's an AWESOME area....there are tons of things to do and see in both Minneapolis & St. Paul.

I would definitely recommend getting involved in activities on the U campus...volunteer for service projects, join an intramural sports team or club, etc. The U is a really big school, so I think it's important for you to find a few smaller groups to get involved in.

Definitely don't be afraid to go out and do/see things on your own, though...I think Minnesotans are pretty friendly!

You'll do great! :) Let me know if I can help you out with anything else!

Answer 3

The nice thing about college is that its a wider pool. Unlike what a lot of us experienced in high school, there are people on your college campus who are a lot like you - its just a matter of finding them. Keep doing what you're doing. Its a trial and error process, but if you're in class and going to activities that interest you, you will find those people. As you've already been reminded, balance the social and academic. You'll do great!

Answer 4

Unless everyone commutes at this school, you'll be right in the thick of things of people arriving and not knowing anyone.

Definitely, reach out to people, join clubs, be friendly, attend school events and parties, football games, etc....and you'll do fine.

How exciting for you! Best of luck. Be sure to focus on your studies, as well. It's a big transition, but don't lose sight of why you're there...to learn...(and of course to make life-long friends!)