by Anhtuan Doventry

Created on: April 08, 2009

As I set foot on campus 1,200 miles away from home, I realized the only person's name I knew would be gone in a couple of days. My dad would be on a plane back to Texas
after freshman orientation was complete.
Initially, I was a little sad, but I was too excited for that feeling to persist. No, when I realized that I wouldn't know a single person, nervousness took over my conscious. Up until that point in life, I knew exactly who I'd be hanging out every night of the week.

Not only that, but I had a pretty good idea of what we'd be doing. This was a whole new ball game. I was starting from scratch.

The best part about being a first year student is that a lot of other first year students are in your same situation.
They're probably a little bit nervous and looking to make new friends too. After I realized that, I calmed down a bit and looked at the positive side of things. I could show whatever side I wanted to. I no longer had an embarrassing past. Well, I still did, but nobody here would have to know about it.

Two of the best places to start is are the dorm and the classroom. You spend so much of your time in those two places already, you might as well find someone to hang out with there. I was lucky enough to be randomly assigned to a roommate that I am still close friends with to today. But aside from just clicking with each other, we connected with four others around our section. We weren't that much alike, but we enjoyed each other's company and always seemed to have fun. Give it a shot, try going to lunch with people who live near you. Hang out in the section lounge watching football or a soap opera. Don't just come home and go directly to your room.

Class was just as good a place to make friends.
You'll find a lot of other students in your class have the same interests. After all, you all signed up for the same class, or were both forced to take it with no other options left. Regardless, you have an instant connection that you can build from.

Finally, do what you love. There are so many different opportunities for you to do what you enjoy. You can join a photo club, a choir, or sign up for flag football or play intramural basketball, whatever. There are tons of activities that are available on campus, and you get to do them by just signing up. There you'll find other people who share your obsession and maybe you'll hit it off with them.

Really it comes down to this, do what you interests you, and then look around at who's there with you.

Learn more about this author, Anhtuan Doventry.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.