How to Meet People at the Start of the Semester (Even If You’re Shy)

Starting a new semester is exciting, but let’s be real: meeting new people can be scary.

Maybe you walk into class and everyone seems like they already know each other. Maybe you see a group hanging out and think, “How am I supposed to just walk up to them?” Or maybe you’re just shy and the idea of introducing yourself to a stranger sounds terrifying.

First, take a breath. You are not the only person who feels this way.

Meeting people for the first time can be hard, and that’s completely okay. You don’t have to suddenly become the most outgoing person on campus. You just have to be willing to take one small step. Say hi. Ask a question. Sit next to someone new. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but it gets easier.

And honestly, you never know where one small conversation might lead.

Start Small: Find Ways to Get Involved on Campus

If walking into an event or approaching a group of people feels like a little too much right now, that’s ok! Try Engage Widener!

Engage Widener is Widener’s student engagement platform. It’s a one stop shop for all things involvement on campus. You can: 

• Browse student organizations
• See upcoming events
• Message clubs directly if you want to learn more before showing up in person.

Not sure if Widener has an organization for something you’re interested in? Search for it! You might be surprised by what already exists. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It might mean you’ve found your opportunity to create something new.

Not Sure Where to Start? Start at the Student Involvement Fair

Mark your calendar for one of the best opportunities to explore everything campus life has to offer.

Student Involvement Fair
📅 Wednesday, September 2
🕚 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
📍 Academic Quad

The Student Involvement Fair is your chance to check out what’s happening around campus, meet student organizations, learn about different ways to get involved, and get lots of free stuff. Seriously, what’s not to like? 

When you walk through the fair, we challenge you to find two (2) organizations to try during your first semester: 

• First, look for an organization connected to your major. Getting involved with an organization related to your field is a great way to meet other students who are interested in the same profession. You might make a friend, find a mentor, learn about career opportunities, or make connections that help you after graduation. Still exploring? No worries – join an organization related to a field that you’re interested in exploring!
• Next, find an organization based on something you enjoy. Do you like to sing? Dance? Are you interested in connecting with people from your culture? What about your religion? Or maybe you just really love to craft, play sports, or volunteer. We have over 80 organizations on campus to choose from! This is your chance to meet people who share your interests and have fun outside of the classroom. 

Think of it as finding your people in two different places: one organization for where you’re going and one for what you love.

And remember, you don’t have to show up at the fair knowing exactly what you want to join. Walk around. Ask questions. Check things out. You can always try an organization and decide later if it’s the right fit for you.

If walking up to a table feels intimidating, start with a simple question: “What does your organization do?”

That’s it. You’ve officially started a conversation with someone you haven’t met yet! 

What If Nothing Feels Like the Right Fit?

And what if you walk around the entire fair and think, “None of these are really for me”?

Great! Seriously…

Stop by the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) and sign up for a workshop on how to start your own recognized student organization (RSO). If there’s something you’re passionate about and Widener doesn’t already have an organization for it, you might be the person who creates that space for other students, too.

Go to Campus Events (Even If You Go Alone)

Once you find an organization that interests you, go to one of their events!

Student organizations host events throughout the semester, and they’re a great way to meet people because you already have something to do. There’s a lot less pressure when you’re sitting at a Pride Activities Council (PAC) Make It, Take It event making something together than when you’re just expected to walk up to a random person and start talking.

Sit down at a table with someone you don’t know. Ask what they’re making. Compliment their creation. Talk about the event. Before you know it, you’re having a conversation.

And here’s something else to remember: you’re already paying for these opportunities through your Student Activities Fee! So go take advantage of them.

You don’t have to join an organization right away. You don’t have to go to every event. Just find something that sounds interesting and give it a try. You might discover a new hobby, find an organization you love, or meet someone who becomes one of your people.

Explore Upcoming Campus Events

Still Having Trouble Meeting People? Ask for Help

Sometimes you can try all of these things and still feel like you’re having a hard time meeting people. If that’s you, that’s okay.

You don’t have to figure it out on your own.

There are so many people across campus who want to help you find your place at Widener. You can:  

• Talk to a professor
• Ask your RA
• Stop by the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) or the Office of Student Inclusion and Belonging (OSIB)
• Reach out to another campus office where you feel comfortable

It might feel a little scary to walk in and say, “I’m having a hard time meeting people,” but I promise you, you won’t be the first student to say it. We’re here because we want you to succeed. We want you to find your people, get involved, try new things, and feel like you belong here.

Making Friends in College Starts With One Small Step

You don’t have to have your entire college experience figured out on day one. Take a breath. Try something new. Talk to someone. Challenge yourself – it’s how you grow.

Your Widener experience is yours to create. Take that first step and see where it takes you. One day, you’ll be able to look back on these moments and think about just how much they helped to shape you into the person you were always meant to be. 

All it takes is one hello. 

Victoria Fine serves as Director of Student Organizations in Widener University’s Office of Student Engagement, where she works with student organizations and student leaders to create opportunities for involvement, connection, and leadership development. She is passionate about helping students find their community and make the most of their college experience. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, Broadway, Disney, and spending time with her family, friends, and cat, Shay.