How to Make New Friends

In a short span of four days, I will move into my dorm and become another college freshman. Since college is a new environment, making new friends becomes a necessary skill. Luckily, after I moved to another school in eighth grade, I found it extremely easy to make new friends. Basically, I discovered a few simple "friend" rules based upon my personal experiences that helped tremendously during this new social transition. So, if you're going to a new school or college, read these tips to make friends- the easy way!

Friend Fact #1: Smile and introduce yourself. Shyness is not an option.

This is the simplest way to make friends in any setting. A simple hello is not only easy, but necessary to introduce yourself to a new person. In addition, if you're in a "transitional" grade like 9th grade or entering college as a freshman, opportunities to make new friends abound since most students do not know everyone else. So, hold your head up high, smile and say hello. If you wish, use a common conversational topic as an ice breaker. A few common topics to talk about include the weather, class schedules or a teacher that you both have in common this year.

Friend Fact #2: If you ask them questions, they'll want to give you the answers.

Do you love it when people ask you questions about yourself? Well, by asking other people questions, you demonstrate that you can care about them and their interests which can truly start a friendship. Besides common conversational topics, pick popular areas of interest such as music, movies, current news and other hobby related topics. Just remember to ask brief and none too personal questions. In addition, there are also certain topics to avoid as well when meeting a new person. Stay away from controversial topics, including politics, money, religion and any other topic that seems quite personal for a first meeting. However, asking questions is only the first half of the potential friendship equation. The other half of the equation, while more difficult, goes a long way in making and keeping new friends.