How to become more social? (My college orientation experience)

[Locster]

So earlier this week i attended college orientation and it was cool but the main problem i had was meeting new people. Even though mostly everybody was social and willing to meet new people I had trouble socializing with them. Something inside just keeps from acting like a normal social person would. Even when people would approach me i would act cold even though I a cool guy, im just shy when it comes to people i dont know. I basically didnt socialize in the whole 2 days i was there. I need to find a way to lay back and not really care about other people's perception of me. What are things i can do to change this problem?

 

[Scrumtulescence]

I was the exact same way. In fact, I still am.

Don't know what to say...

 

[Kerpal]

Getting a job where you have to talk to people all the time really helps, it worked for me. Plus you can befriend a lot of your co workers.

 

[Ice Cold]

Don't expect to develop anything immediately. Just ask some questions about them. Tell them that you like something about them... Tell about yourself.

Orientation is supposed to be a blur. Later when you actually go to classes you'll see the people and say: "Hey, I saw you at the orientation!"

 

[sparky0000]

College sucks. It did for me at least.

Orientation was not so hot. I was pretty much urinating every 3 minutes (I get that way when I am nervous). I knew zero people. It seemed that everyone knew at least a few people. Not me. A few people came up to me and I stuttered and stammered until they gave up and left me. I spent most of the time (when not urinating) talking on the phone to my Mother. Yes, my Mother. There were a few "studs" who were talking to girls. I think most of them are married now and hating life...lol.

If you want to know how my college years went just ask. I doubt yours will be as ugly as mine were.

BTW, don't chase after the girls. Study Russian instead. You will not be sorry. I promise you.

 

[Ace of Flames]

College sucks. It did for me at least.

Orientation was not so hot. I was pretty much urinating every 3 minutes (I get that way when I am nervous). I knew zero people. It seemed that everyone knew at least a few people. Not me. A few people came up to me and I stuttered and stammered until they gave up and left me. I spent most of the time (when not urinating) talking on the phone to my Mother. Yes, my Mother. There were a few "studs" who were talking to girls. I think most of them are married now and hating life...lol.

If you want to know how my college years went just ask. I doubt yours will be as ugly as mine were.

BTW, don't chase after the girls. Study Russian instead. You will not be sorry. I promise you.

Um.... no. Just no.

Nothing in that post was helpful. You just sound like you're complaining. How does that help him? You didn't have a single word of encouragement or advice, and.... study Russian? What does that do for you? Unless you plan to live in an area with people that speak Russian, which I imagine very few people in LA do... then its a waste of money and time that could better be spent on other classes in college.

Now, on topic: No worries bro. I just had my orientation as well, and I had a few of the same experiences. It seemed that lots of people knew at least 1 other person, while I didn't. But I didn't let that stop me. I just talked to the people that sat next to me, and I even went farther and did a # close on the first day! I agree with the notion that orientation is just a flood of info and people and everything coming at you. But I also think that once school gets started and we've been around it all for a while, everything will calm down and get easier. If you live on campus, you'll most likely get a roommate, and that's your first friend. If he knows some people already, get introduced. Then you'll have a small network, and you can build on that if/when you want.

 

[FightinTiger]

you'd be surprised. most of them have never met before.

I went up to this group of people that were laughing and carrying on like they had known each other since kindergarden. it turns out they had all met that night and just sort of stuck together. so, I joined in with them.

so, don't feel out of place. just find some people. chances are, they just recently met each other, as well, and are very open to newcomers.

 

[Locster]

what are steps i can take to help my problem of talking to strangers?

i am a social guy when i know people i just have trouble starting conversations with strangers

 

[Ace of Flames]

Just ask a question. Ask for directions to a place, even if you know how to get there. Ask for opinions on local hangouts. Ask what time it is.

Anything to start the convo, and then you can take it where you want.

 

[daSoCalpimp]

bummer

 

[diablo]

Ae...