How to Make Friends Your First Year

The first day isn't so bad. Even the first week of a college student's life seems fun and fresh. But sure as anything, the student life doldrums will set in, and you'll get the feeling you're all alone. You're in a new world with unfamiliar faces, where no one seems to know your name. But all that anxiety should be replaced by excitement as you begin to emerge as a new person in a new world.

It's time to make new friends. College life is supposed to be fun and exciting for a new college student, so sitting around by yourself is like being in the candy store and refusing to take part in all the sweet fun. Making new friends might seem a bit agonizing, but just think, everyone else is in the same boat you're in. And they want to make new friends as well. The following are a couple of helpful tips that should help push you off into the new world with a little spirit.

Whatever you do, don't get trapped in your little dorm room. There's a big world outside, and the only way for a college student to truly experience the college life is to get out and find some college fun. If you want to meet new friends, you have to open yourself up to the possibilities. If you're familiar with the networking site called Myspace, there's a similar website called Facebook.com, which details all the events going on around your specific campus. Try it out!

Consider joining a college club of some kind. Find a friend in your dorm or class that has a similar interest - like archery, billiards, butterfly-hunting, or rugby - and take that new friend with you. It's always good to have a partner.

Try to leave your dorm room open when you're not working as you never know who the breeze might blow in - the next person who walks by might be your new best friend. If you leave your dorm room door open, it's an open invitation for someone to stop and say "Hi!" Open your door to new opportunities.

Some people think the Greek system is silly and immature, but there are some fraternities and sororities that are really together and can help you network with other similar people. After all, college fun is part of the college life, and it doesn't have to be all about term papers and library time. You'll never know until you take a chance. Get up, get out, and get something.

The last tip, and maybe the most important, is to just be yourself. Trying to be something you're not just to make new friends will end up hurting you in the long run. Nobody likes a fake, so stick to what you're good at - being yourself, instead of pretending you're somebody else.

That's it. Remember, college life is about learning, inside the classroom and outside. So, have some courage. Go out and explore, and enjoy your new life.