CLUBS, CLUBS, CLUBS!!
Join a club, or two, and actually get involved. Try one you liked in high school, a church group, or just something you can get excited about. However, if you join too many you’ll feel spread too thin and only be involved on the surface. Limit yourself and truly dedicate your time.
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Get an on Campus Job!
Most kids have to work through college, and a part-time job can be greatly beneficial whether you truly need it or not. Colleges all have jobs on campus, there are tons and tons of options that will work with difficult schedules. It’ll give you a chance to meet administrators and other students whom you’re forced to interact with and talk to. It gets you out of your shell while also making you a few dollars.
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Get Food With Potential Friends
No one ever said no to food. Offer choices that are nearby, check out our article Best Local Restaurants at ODU for some inspiration. If someone seems like a could-be-friend, take the chance and go grab some grub. You can talk and get to know them a lot better, but also awkward silences are a lot less uncomfortable if they can be filled with chewing.
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Exercise!
Going for walks or jogs are wonderful. You can explore campus in leggings with earbuds in and then wow your fellow freshman with knowledge of where things are. Working out in the gym or recreation center can also be beneficial as you may meet people. This can be intimidating, though. If you’re not a gym savvy person, doing things outdoors or in your dorm is just as helpful. Beat the freshman fifteen while bettering your mental health.
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Hang in Your Dorm Common Room!
The secret to getting to meet people quickly: doing homework in the common room. Not great for throwing together that essay due in three hours, but if you have some time, do homework in there. Spend time in your common space and eventually, you’ll feel more included in the community.
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Schedule an Advisor Meeting!
Don’t be afraid to shoot your advisor an email and meet with them. Talk to them about your worries and what you’re excited about. They want to help you and get to know you. Come in with questions and doubt and they will help you figure it all out. Don’t stress too much about four years from now though, stressing about what classes you’re taking next semester is enough with a general plan.
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Bring A Little Bit of Home With You
Get crafty and order some photos from your hometown and your friends. As you do new things with new people, order pictures from these events and slowly build your wall with moments. Places like Snapfish can have free prints if you order on the app and there are always sales happening. Call your parents, siblings, or hometown friends and just say hi. Eventually, the desire to call will not become so constant, but don’t forget about them.
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Get A Fish!
Having something that needs you to take care of it will help you feel motivated and important when lost in the throws of college. They’re the one pet allowed anywhere you live. If you don’t trust yourself with a fish, try a plant. If a little plant is too much, try a cactus or bamboo. It’s a commitment to the life of something else and will give you a sense of personal responsibility.
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Open Up To Your Roommates!
They’re your first and instant friends. There are roommate horror stories, but honestly they can also become your best friends. Be honest and start that late night conversation about how you’re dealing with the transition. Talk about who is cleaning the bathroom and when, but also about your homes and pasts. The more you’re willing to talk about yourselves, others will do the same.
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Take Care of Yourself!
Get sleep, keep up your personal hygiene, maybe start a new hair care routine. Take time to plan out outfits and freshen up your skin. College is a time to try things out. Stay true to yourself but don’t be afraid to play with your style.
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