Starting college again on Friday!

[The David]

I took a semester off after deciding I did not like my school, and now I'm transferring to a new one. This time, I actually don't feel like I'm making a mistake before I even get there.

If you've read my previous posts, you'll know I struggled with social skills more than anyone I've ever known all the way up until age 18. The first semester of college changed me unbelievably, but it's still something I struggle with from time to time.

Has anyone else struggled with making friends in college? Don't lie, most of you probably had a few awkward moments, at least during orientation. I've heard the whole 'Be a friend, make a friend' personal responsibility speech a lot, and I've finally learned to apply it, but if you have any advice, I would like to be as prepared as I possibly can.

[alexinspire]

Of course we got problems making friends in college. When I was in college, I still remember how alienated I am. I try to make myself look more cool by wearing cool shirts, dye red hair and wear earings.

As a guy, that's weird but we really like to have friends no matter how hard we pretend to be not interested. Here's few tips you can do to make more friends:

1. Smile:
Smile is a very very useful way to make more friends. It's more important than what you think. People fear of rejections. When they meet people who are not smiling and friendly, they will not make friends with you because they scared you will reject them.

So, just smile and smile happily!

2. Don't pretend to be other people.

When you saw someone who are popular in class, don't try to be like them or learn from them. You are PERFECT by being who you are. Don't try to be others. If you try to be someone else, it means you think you are not a good person and want to be better.

People who think they are not a good person will never have happiness and confidence that attracts others.

3. Don't do white lies when you did a mistake!

Everyone around you are very used to tell lies. They can smell it when you are doing that and not telling you. Just admit that you made a mistake and they will like you. People like to be with authentic people and not with people who don't make mistakes.

Thanks and have fun in college.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

I would always keep extra pens and pencils. Inevitably someone will have forgotten theirs and will be asking around for one. They'll appreciate that you helped them out and you can from there begin to make more contact/converse. Seems kinda weird, but I met quite a few people this way!

I found college to be an easier place to meet people than high school. Not quite as clique-ish.

Just be yourself and I am sure you will do well!

[Lola]

Originally Posted by The David

I took a semester off after deciding I did not like my school

Hey - me too! 24 years ago! I start school on Monday.

I think I made friends pretty easily in college "back in the day" but I do wonder what it will be like now since I'm old enough to have given birth to most of my classmates - and maybe a professor or two!

I think more than anything when meeting new people, we pick up on their energy (even if we're consciously unaware of it) and the statements of their body language. And they're doing the same with us. Therefore, the more comfortable, relaxed, and assured we are in our own skin, the more approachable we will appear to our new friends. And listen for clues - people will tell you where their interests lie, which provides a basis for a conversation.

Good luck David!

[Love]

I want to say congratulations on starting up again, The David!
Best of luck to you!

[Christian223]

This blog has great advice Charisma Tips (no matter the main subject, it has awesome stuff to learn about beign a great social human beign), and i also recommend everyone to read an great life changing book that has incredibly important advice, this book talks about so many important facts that i belive all humans beigns should learn what it teaches, youll learn about the how the human mind works, what are the most important things to humans, how to influence people, how to make people happy, how to make people like you, how to resolve issues between people, oh so many awesome stuff, i cant recommend it enough, its called "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, good luck!.

[jdub]

As a current college student, I find myself in awkward situations frequently. But I love them, because I observe what everyone else does. Then I don't feel as awkward because I see that everyone else is feeling it too.
When you get there, focus on other people instead of yourself. If you have the opportunity to talk to someone, do it. My goal is to meet as many people as I can in college. You can strike up a random conversation about anything, and most of the time people will go along with it. Don't worry about being rejected, because very rarely will you be.
OH, and congrats on going back to college. I know that is a big step