How To Make a Big College Seem Smaller

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Creating a sense of community at a giant university can be a challenge. But once you find your niche, it'll feel just like home.

To complete this How-To you will need:

An interest in education
Some self-motivation

Step 1: Get involved in your major

All departments have a plethora of academic groups, research opportunities, and mentoring tracks. If you have a major in mind, getting involved with these activities can help shrink an intimidating school and introduce you to students with similar interests.

Step 2: Interact in lectures

At big lectures, sit in the first few rows of class and don't be afraid to throw your hand up occasionally to ask a question or make a comment. Not only will you make new friends by sitting in the same area everyday, but if you get the professor to notice you, those 300-seat lecture halls will start to feel like actual classrooms.

Tip: Each semester, try mixing in at least one class -- whether it's an elective or a requirement -- that only has 20 or so students.

Step 3: Talk with your professors

Visit professors during office hours. Whether you stop by to seek help with an assignment or just to chat, talking with your teachers one-on-one is a great way to get specialized attention.

Step 4: Join activities

One upside to a big school is that it offers a ton of campus organizations catering to specific interests. Intramural sports, the student literary journal, Greek life, improv comedy -- it's hard not to find at least one activity that suits you.

Tip: If there's a specific club or activity your college doesn't offer, start one yourself.

Step 5: Make dorm friends

Being comfortable and happy where you live is crucial. See if your university offers any catered residence halls -- such as alcohol-free or 24-hour quiet dorms -- where you can meet like-minded students. In regular dorms, create a sense of community by organizing study groups and movie nights.

Step 6: Find old friends

If you stayed in state for college, there's a good chance some of the people you went to high school with are just around the corner or down the street. Look up any classmates you know -- even if you weren't all that close -- and see what they're up to. Chances are they're just as anxious to have a few familiar faces around and would be thrilled to hear from you.

Tip: The summer before school starts, find upperclassmen from your high school or hometown that can share some advice about college life.

Step 7: Become a regular

Find a restaurant or coffeehouse near campus where students converge and become a regular there. Securing a designated hangout spot is a great way to give a campus more of a homey feel.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• HotHowTos
• careers
• college
• life
• orientation
• university
• large
• big
• city
• giant
• community

[PsychoDesigns]

why do I crave burgers after watching this video?

[MurderousLlama]

i... want.... a.... burger.....

[SlashSkull]

Your environment (the college) affects your healthy eating lifestyle because of:

- Your busy schedule.

- Propaganda.

AND BECAUSE

- Food always ready to buy & eat (a.k.a. = FAST FOOD).

I just recently learned this from my Phys Ed. Teacher.

[Marinedude2]

Hungry

[poohondog20]

the background music is bugging me..

[dudewtfwtf1]

why make it smaller? All those babes will start to talk if you want it smaller.

[911fox123]

what use is this? lmao

[rootvalue]

wat

[debilchan]

liar.