Blog # 4: Socializing 101

Coming to college can be unnerving when you are coming into it without knowing anybody. I felt this way since all of my friends from high school were going our separate ways and attending different universities in different states. That's why I found it so incredibly relieving when I made new friends during my freshman year at ISU.

A great way to meet new people is by getting INVOLVED with activities and organizations on campus. I personally love getting involved, as it helps to find people who have similar interests to mine while also creating long-lasting friendships. These RSO's (Registered Student Organizations) also look great on a resume, which is a plus!

I am involved with the University Program Board, and specifically I'm on the Late-Night committee. We plan campus-wide events that give students a chance to have fun and relax. Some of our past events that were extremely successful were "Glow it Up" and "Casino Royale". Here is a link to UPB's website, if you are interested in joining, go check it out!

Going to sporting events is also a fun way to spend your time. For my freshman and sophomore years, I purchased "Red Alert" which lets students attend ALL of the men's football and basketball games for only $50. I'm glad I took advantage of this opportunity because it really gave me an appreciation of college sports. It's also fun to sit in the student section and cheer for the Redbirds! Here is a link to ISU's Athletics page where there is more information concerning "Red Alert" and game schedules. Go check it out!

I am thankful for Illinois State University for so many different reasons, but the biggest reason is that I've made such meaningful friendships. Some advice that I would give for making friends in college is not to let yourself be enclosed in your dorm room or apartment, but to take that extra step of jumping outside of your comfort zone. Of course those first few minutes of meeting someone may be nothing but awkward and useless small talk, but it helps to develop common interests. It would be easier to curl up in your bedroom and watch Netflix(which I am guilty of), but it's important to get out into the world to be productive. By going out and being interactive, I can truly say that I will keep in touch with my friends forever.

I am thankful for many things since coming to Illinois State University, but the biggest is that I've made so many meaningful friendships. Some advice that I would give is to not close yourself off from making friends. Of course those first few minutes of meeting someone may be filled with awkward and useless small talk, but it helps to develop common interests. It may be easier to sit in your bedroom watching Netflix (which I'm guilty of...) but it is extremely important to go out and be interactive. I have the friends that I have now because I made the decision to be more productive with my college experience.

(Reunion with my roommates from freshman year)

(Photo Credit)