by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: July 25, 2009   Last Updated: September 22, 2011

Going away to college is an exciting time in the life of a young person. Despite all of the excitement about the new life that awaits them, the increased independence, and the chance to experience everything that college has to offer, the one thing that can determine the success or failure of an early college experience, and determine how comfortable a new college student feels in their surroundings is the presence of friends, both new and old.

Figuring out where and how to make friends can be a terrifying prospect, but if you realize that everyone around you is in exactly the same boat that you are, that may prove to be somewhat consoling. Everywhere you go, you will encounter people you don't know, but you are all there for the same reason and will undoubtedly have many interests in common.

You will undoubtedly have a million questions flying through your head at lightening speed. Try to slow down long enough to analyze those questions and think about the potential answers.

1. Where does one go to meet people?

2. How does one go about talking to a complete stranger?

3. How do you know when it's okay to talk to someone?

4. What if you're scared?

5. How do you introduce yourself?

6. What do you talk about?

These are all questions that are likely to run through a new college freshman's head. But there are countless places at which one can meet other students. Here are some ideas that may help to take some of the fear and uncertainty out of the ordeal.

*Talk to people in your dorm -

The dorm is the perfect place to start meeting people. If you are a freshman, it is likely that you are in a dorm with many other freshmen. You are all in the same boat, and all have the same hopes, fears, questions, uncertainties and to a certain extent, goals. Getting to know the people on your dorm floor or hall can be the easiest way to begin to meet people. Creating friendships with these people will be incredibly important since they are the people around whom you will have to live for your entire freshman year.

*Talk to people at orientation -

Everyone who comes to a college orientation is there for the same reason: they are new and want to learn the ropes. You will all have the same fears and anxieties. Ask other people about their background. Talk about your home towns. Maybe you'll be surprised to discover that there are people who come from the same area of the country as you.

*Talk to people in the registration line -

When you are waiting in a registration line,

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