I’ve been introducing myself a lot these first few days at UBC and I’ve noticed a pattern in the questions I’ve been asked, as well as the questions I’ve asked others. The top four go like this:
– What’s your name? (obviously)
– Where are you from?
– What faculty are you in?
– Why UBC?
Then more times than none, after those four questions the awkward silence ensues. But, to those of you who’ve yet to meet me I will save you the time, energy and uncomfortableness. Hi, my name is Briana, I hail from Nova Scotia but I was born in Ontario and spent almost half of my life there. I’m a first-year Arts undergraduate, and I chose UBC not only because they have stellar academics, but because they have such a wide diversity of clubs and activities to get involved with. Oh, did I also mention that I live within a five minute walk of a beach? That’s a pretty nice bonus.
My first day at UBC was quite a whirlwind. There were long lines, lots of stairs/stares and very hard goodbyes. I’m all set up now and my room is starting to feel like home, but I have fallen victim to a certain hermit-like quality. I find it simple to fall into some sort of funk the first few days due to the sheer size of UBC. The amount of first-years is around 7,000 students, which is almost as big as the town I came from in Nova Scotia. With that being said, there are literally thousands of kids that you can meet and it’s easy to be swallowed up, and go up to your dorm, shut your door and watch toddlers and tiaras on your laptop all day (guilty). So I have a few (hopefully) helpful tips on how not to wind up watching TLC alone in your room all day.
The first tip is pretty straight forward: Don’t Stay In Your Room!
I’m not a naturally flamboyant person who can sashay up to anyone and begin talking. I’m a little more shy and introverted when I first meet people. Due to those traits I extract myself from big groups of people where I’d actually have to go out and socialize, but contrary to my belief, the only way to meet people and make friends is to get out of your dorm room. Surprisingly enough my locked dorm room doesn’t get much social traffic.
The second tip is vastly cliché: Be Yourself!
I know, I know, I sound like your Mom, but your Mom is right. Don’t bother trying to re-invent yourself, just be you. If you be yourself you’ll attract friends that will most likely share similar interests and hobbies.
And, the final tip: Go To Events!
This tip has a large correlation with the first tip. You must leave your room, and when you do so, you should go to the events available to frosh. They’re events organized for you and they’re the best way to meet people.
Wish me luck!
