Are you intimidated at the fact of not having any friends in your classes? That is the scariest part about a new semester, right? You walk into a class, with the possibility of not knowing one person. This is the moment where we all ask the same question that our good friend Rebecca Black asked herself, “Which seat should I take?” If you sit in the back row, you look like you are going to be a slacker and won’t pay attention. If you sit in the front row, you will look way too excited for class and you do not want people getting the wrong idea about you. So, you pick a seat in the middle praying that a cute guy or girl will sit down next to you. No matter where you sit, you have the opportunity of meeting one of over 45,000 students that attend the university.
The first step to connecting with someone is to introduce yourself! New classes mean new friends, new relationships, and new professors. You want to make the most of your time in class and get your name known to everyone. Here are some tips you should take, if you have not already, to help you make the most of your year:
1.     Do not be afraid to say “hi” to someone that you do not know. Chances are they do not know anyone else in the class either.
2.     There seems to be an unwritten law that where ever you sit the first day of class will be your seat for the rest of the semester. Who says that you have to follow that rule? Sit in different spots of the room each class to meet new people and figure out which area you like the best. This goes especially for big lecture halls.
3.     Do not let being wrong or sounding stupid be the reason why you do not speak up in class. It is okay if you are known as that one guy who thought “papyrus” and “platypus” were the same thing.
4.     Make it a priority to learn everyone’s names. Not only will this make you come off as a more confident person, but it will make people feel more comfortable around you.
5.     Volunteer to do things in class like reading, planning study groups, or writing for a group assignment. It lets people know that you are dependable and a hard worker.
There are many things you can do, but this is a good start for getting people to know who you are. So next time you go to class, look around the room and see if you can name everyone. If not, turn to the person next to you and introduce yourself. You never know, that person may be your new best friend. Plan a group study date, homework session, or lunch date to get to know your classmates and peers better. It could all start with a few easy words… “Can I borrow a pencil?”