Socializing

People say that your years in college are the years when you make friends for life and that these years must be thoroughly enjoyed. But how do you choose the right people to hang out with if there are so many of them? If you enter your lecture room, and there are 600-700 other students just like you, how do you choose your friends?

Some people are lucky to take the same major at the same university as some of their old classmates. Especially during the first few weeks, these old classmates can serve as a beacon in the sea of students. However, if it is your intention to make a fresh start and leave high school behind you, it is wise to ignore these old classmates. 

So, let's assume you're lost in the building - you cannot find your lecture room. You may ask some staff member, but it's much more fun to ask someone who seems to be a student as well. This doesn't necessarily have to be a student from your year or major (remember, you don't know anyone yet!), but asking another student might be the first step to a friendship. 

Now, let's assume you have finally found your lecture room. This is where different scenarios come in, and I'll try to mention them all. 

1. You're early and you're one of the first students to show up. As a matter of fact, you beat the teacher in classroom arrival. In this case, you might try to find a strategic place in the room. Strategic means: there where there is a chance someone will join you sooner or later. Strategic places are: close to the door(s), because there is always somebody who needs to get out the moment the teacher says lecture is over; right in front of the teacher, since there are always some who are too proud to wear glasses, even if they need them; somewhere in the middle, as nobody likes to come across as overly nerdy by sitting in front of the teacher or overly uninterested by sitting all the way in the back of the room. 
2. You're late and there already are some, or many, other students. This is a nice scenario, because it offers you options. You can look around the room and see if there is someone who seems friendly or - in case you are into more or less extreme clothing/music styles - who seems similar to you. Of course, it will always be a wild guess to sit next to someone, but this is really the way to make friends soon! Don't forget to join different kinds of persons, though. Just one friend may not be enough to last for 4 years. 
3. There are many people in your class. Great, you have much choice, but it also makes it hard to decide  whom you will like for longer than just a few days. Try to get acknowledged with as many people as possible and then decide for yourself which ones you like best. However, keep friendly to those whom you don't like as much as those you've chosen. You never know what they are good for! This process will usually occur naturally, so don't focus your thoughts on it too much. 
4. There are only a few people in your class. In this case, you are bound to deal with the people who chose the same class. At least during lectures and practical classes. Be nice to all of them - make sure there are a few you can rely on in case you have a study-related question. This process should also occur naturally, without giving too much thought to it. 

Outside the lecture rooms, there are many places to meet new people. At work, in your student union, at the gym facilities of your university, at the general library, and many more. Long story short: try to get enrolled in some extracurricular activities (see my last post) to meet new people and maybe make some new friends! 

Another way of socializing is to find out which people in your class commute from their house to the university. As this is common practice in some countries, it can be worthwhile to find out who in your class are travelling every day. You could discuss lectures or just talk about less serious things and thereby make new friends.

I guess I have given enough tips on socializing in college. If you have anything to add, let me know, or share your thoughts on how you made friends in college. These tips are needed for freshmen and those who switched majors, so feel free to contribute!