Dear Abby,

I am a transfer student this year and I have found it difficult meeting people. It seems like other students in my classes do not really want to socialize and they are strictly there for class. In past years, I have found it to be very easy making new friends and meeting people in classes. This doesn’t seem to work for me anymore. I’m very social and personable, so it’s really getting me down not knowing anyone.

I haven’t gotten involved with anything or found a club or volunteering option that I want to be a part of. My roommate situation doesn’t help me out either because we do not get along. Do you have any advice for how to go about meeting people without seeming annoying or creepy in class?

Sincerely,
Friendless

Dear Friendless,

This is an excellent question and you are certainly not the only one who feels this way. As a transfer student myself without a good roommate, I know exactly how you feel. The beauty of it is, there is a solution to your problem.

Being in college, you have endless opportunities to get involved. I know you’ve heard this before and you might be thinking otherwise, but once you get yourself out there and start looking, it will happen.

At the beginning of the year, there is an event called Festival ISU and there are a ton of RSOs there.

You can sign up to be emailed even if you’re not 100 percent sure about joining. This is a great opportunity to look around and see what is offered.

An amazing opportunity is going Greek. If you are the type of person that loves making friends and forming special bonds while serving the community and fund raising for amazing causes then you will love joining a Greek organization. The Greek community on campus is an excellent way to meet new people and form everlasting friendships.

Have you considered finding a job on or near campus? A lot of my friends have met people through their jobs and love the people they work with. That makes working even more fun when you have awesome co-workers.

The university has a special section on their website that constantly updates and posts job opportunities for students either on campus or around campus to help you seek out people hiring.

I know how hard it is going to school and being away from home and not knowing anyone or being close to anyone on campus. It’s an awful and lonely feeling.

For some people, it doesn’t matter because they like to be alone, and that’s fine. But for a social and outgoing person, it can be very, very difficult. I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to seem socially awkward or creepy talking to people in class.

Let’s get real; a lot of students who are set with their group of friends have less interest in making new friends. It’s a real issue for people like you that are trying to start fresh.

Whatever happens, remember who you are. Something that really helps is being comfortable in your own skin and being proud to just be you. Friendships are special. They are a bond between two people that can last a lifetime. They do not just appear out of nowhere.

Sometimes people forget how truly unique friendships are and how meaningful they can be. I cannot imagine my life today without my closest friends, but I do remember the days I did not have them.

Getting involved in something you truly enjoy instantly gives you something in common with the other people in the club, activity, job, or sorority/fraternity.

Just know you are an amazing and unique individual, and people do want to meet you. It is just a matter of putting yourself out there. Don’t give up, and keep on keeping on. Best of luck to you!

Keepin’ it real,
Abby