Let’s get it on …

Hey aska,

I’m in first year at St. George (whattupp!). As you know, the semester is almost over and I haven’t been able to make any friends. None of my
high school friends go to UofT either, so my confidence is kind of shot. I mean, I have at least one person to talk to in all of my classes, but I feel like we won’t be able to maintain that friendship after this semester, or after the year for that matter. I guess the problem is that the people I meet aren’t even in first year and the classes are enormous. Not only that but i know it’s my problem too, I guess I’m an introvert and I just don’t know how to start a conversation or keep it going. They say you make all your friends in first year. I feel like by now everyone has developed their own groups or busy with their studies, and not looking to make any new friends. And I also feel like it’s too late to join any extra-curriculars. Any advice? I really don’t want to spend my next three years alone.

Signed,
Not the Only One?

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Hey there future social butterfly,

You make a lot of friends in your first year, but you’ll snag a few in every year.
Are you in residence? If not I would suggest living in one. This is an awesome way to meet people!
But it’s definitely not the only way. The college that you are affiliated with will host a ton of events throughout the year that you can participate in … think formals, pub crawls, movie nights.
Oh i know you’re getting excited BUT THERE’S EVEN MORE!
There is a whole ULife website dedicated to things you can try and groups you can join.
University is awesome as everyone is here to have a good time and meet new people (and study when time allows).

You’re definitely not the only one in this situation. And you said you met people in your class which is a great way to meet people as you obviously have some of the same interests. Sitting beside each other in class leads to study groups which lead to crazy drunk celebrations after acing your exams together.

I know it can seem scary to start a conversation with people, but the odds are they are chill and all you have to say is ‘hey, whaddup’

You’ve got this dude, within a year you’ll own this school

Love,
Aska