Getting involved will not only ease the pangs of loneliness and homesickness, it can lay a foundation for achieving your dreams and enhance your social strengths by introducing you to lifelong friends and hobbies.
- Attend the activities fair. Early in the fall, most colleges host these events at which campus clubs and organizations strut their stuff and recruit new members. This is the best one-stop-shop for everything the college has to offer socially.
- Join a club. Clubs are a great way to try a sport or activity you’ve been curious about but have never done, such as fencing or yoga.
- Read notices on kiosks and bulletin boards. If you are interested in an off-campus group or event, play it safe and take a friend with you the first time.
- Volunteer. Choose causes you believe in and/or organizations in your area of study (such as hospitals or the student radio station). You’ll meet like-minded people, get practical work experience for your resume, and possibly make the world a better place, while getting closer to achieving your dreams. Search your college website for opportunities, talk to your academic advisor or the leader of student organizations, such as the International Club or Model United Nations Club, who might suggest or sponsor volunteer opportunities.
- Attend campus events, exhibits, guest lectures, and performances. One of the benefits of going to college is that students can often get into events for free or at a reduced rate. This may be the only time in your life you have access to so many cool events at bargain-basement prices.
- Get a job. You’re guaranteed to meet people while you’re earning some money. But keep your major in mind: it may be fun to deliver pizzas, but a library or office job looks better on a resume.