I'm sort of out of my element here. How can I meet new friends?

First of all, be yourself! During the first few weeks of school everyone is pretty much in the same boat: out on their own for the first time. At home you had a lot of close friends, and now that you are at UNCW you can add to that list. The university presents awesome opportunities for you to meet people with common interests. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone. If the conversation doesn't work out, don't worry. You will have thousands of opportunities to try again.

What should I do if I feel homesick?

Keep some familiar things around you: Moving into your new space presents an opportunity for new things, but a few items to remind you of home can be comforting. Also, challenge the way you are thinking about your transition to college. You have to be open to change in order to learn and grow. Accept that this is a time for mixed feelings—excitement, trepidation, uncertainty, curiosity. etc. The more adaptable you can be with your expectations, the more you will be able to negotiate challenges. If you feel that you need help or would like to talk with someone, UNCW has a wonderful Counseling Center with numerous resources.

Should I keep in touch with friends from home?

Yes, stay in touch. You should surround yourself with your support network by staying in contact with family and friends. So don't forget to put up some pictures of familiar faces, but leave some space for new friends as well.

Is there anything to do on campus during the weekends?

Yes. Try to stay at UNCW during some of your weekends. Don’t get in the habit of going home every weekend or your new home will never feel like home. Take advantage of activities on campus (check out the Campus Activities and Involvement Center site for ideas). When you stick around for the weekend not only do you have the opportunity to attend weekend events, but you'll meet other people who are looking for things to do as well. The more familiar you are with your surroundings, the better adjusted you will feel. And when your family and friends arrive for a visit you will have favorite places to take them.

What does food have to do with making friends and adjusting to college?

Well, everyone has to eat, right? So, after class, around the dorm or after a basketball game, why not ask someone out to eat? There are many healthy places to chow down on campus. Be sure to check them out!

Where or how can I meet people?

Get involved. Participate in class. Take part in campus activities. We are fortunate in that there are hundreds of clubs and organizations. Plus, if you can't find something that suits your interest, just find three friends who would like to get a new club started and you can create your own! Joining a club is an instant win for making friends. Another tip: Show up early to Convocation, the official academic welcome event. First-year students will receive a small group assignment by email to let them know where to report for convocation. This will be a great place to meet new people and show your teal school spirit. You will also meet your Seahawk Link, an upper class student who will serve as a great resource for you. And if you enjoy athletics, why not join an intramural sport? It is a great place to meet new people who share a common interest.

Interested in becoming a leader on campus?

If you enjoy being social and participating in service events, the Greek system could be a good fit. Since the early 1960's, fraternity and sorority life at UNCW has been helping Seahawks meet friends or, dare we say, brothers and sisters. Members take pride in being campus leaders and consistently post a higher than average GPA than the average undergraduate student. And don't forget to check out the Student Government Association, an organization made by students, of students and for students.

How do I get along with others? I've never lived around so many different people.

Communicate. Don’t make tough situations tougher by waiting to talk. Talk to your roommate, a classmate, your RA. You may find that you are not the only one experiencing similar difficulties or feelings. UNCW strives to be an inclusive community. Try being open to new ideas, cultures, values and points of view. You might learn something new about yourself. The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion website has great information (as well as a calendar of events). Ask for help. There are a lot of challenges in adjusting to college life. We all need a little help, guidance or an outsider’s opinion in dealing with unfamiliar or difficult situations. You can talk to a counselor about anything whenever you need some support. Stop by the Counseling Center in DePaolo Hall or call 910-962-3746.

How does going to my classes help me meet people?

It should go without saying, but "Get to class!" Class is a great way to meet new friends. Introduce yourself to the people around you, and ask classmates to study with you at Randall Library or the Fisher Student Center. When your group gets together, share notes and talk about class. Studying in a public location may turn out to be fun, and you could end up meeting someone new. When you are scheduling your classes, make sure to pick electives that truly interest you. For example, if you need a gym elective, try challenging yourself to do something different (like scuba diving!). You may be surprised to learn something new and meet people who enjoy the same things.