New in College: Be Ready to Mingle

Mingling with new people in college and making oneself visible could be easy if a positive approach is adopted

You got admission into the college of your choice and the celebrations are over. It’s time to leave your familiar classroom, the Didis at school, friends and perhaps your adorable pet. You suddenly notice the butterflies in your stomach. After all, it is a completely new environment - you will be on your own for the first time in your life and you might even be moving to a new city. Daunting as the prospect is, college life is all about taking control.

Here are a few tips on how to take the bull by its horn:

• Be in the loop: If you are nervous about being in the new system then find out about where things are happening.  Find out the basics – where the canteen is, where the photocopying machine is, what are the university rules and regulations. Try to avoid turning into Alice in wonderland. The feeling of being lost can be depressing in a completely new place and can hamper your enthusiasm.
• Smile: This is perhaps the simplest thing required of you in this unknown place. Even if you are naturally timid, a smile is the least you can do by way of an hi! Even if you are the type who hides behind other people in class, smile politely at your neighbours and classes will not be so intimidating. The next step would be to introduce yourself and soon you’d be sitting among some friends.
• Join a club or forum: This is the most repeated advice given to freshers because it is the surest way of meeting like-minded people. Join a club which shares your social or athletic preferences and commitments. These clubs will only be happy to have a newcomer join them.
• Stand out: If you are good at something like sports, debate or music, let it show. There is no gain in being talented and invisible. Make your presence felt but don’t show off.  Don’t refuse invitations or requests for songs if you are a good singer or guitar player. Soon you’ll be a welcome member in some circles.
• Go with the flow: Participate in various activities of your college. If it is an academic environment then participate in study groups and reading clubs. If your campus is bent towards sports then join a team and spend your Sunday afternoons practicing. This will again help you familiarise with the ethics and norms of the college.

Follow these simple steps for the first few weeks. Soon you will be able to gel with lot of friends and be a familiar face in college. Whatever the case may be, remember that this place will be your home for the next three years. So try and maintain a positive attitude. Well begun is half done.