Making Friends

That’s what WEPO is for! A number one concern every freshman has is about making friends when starting college. Thankfully WEPO gives you a great group of friends to help you transition into the college life. The number one thing to remember is: YOU’RE NOT ALONE! Every freshman is just as worried as you are whether or not they came to college with friends or with none at all. If you are going into college with friends you already know, try and branch out and meet new people, possibly forming an even larger group of friends. If you do not know anyone going into college, a great way to meet people is by getting involved in different organizations and clubs in which you share similar interests with others.

Move in day is always hectic and overwhelming. After you attempt to get settled in, I know it’s easy to keep to yourself and just unpack but take the time to go around your floor and meet some people. These will be the people you will be spending the rest of the year with, so it is important to get to know them. I was very shy at the beginning of the year and did not take the time to get to know my floormates, and that was a big mistake. Having friendly faces around you makes the college transition so much easier and more fun.

Surprisingly you will also meet people in your classes. You never know, the girl in your math class may be struggling just as much as you are and working together may be the only way to pass the class. (This actually happened to me!) It’s important to form study groups among your friends and classmates because there will be times when you have no idea what is going on in a class. Study groups will save your grades, your sleep schedule, and your sanity. There’s a place for everyone at Penn State, so don’t ever worry about finding yours. 

Stephanie Prohaska is a sophomore in Biomedical Engineering, and she is a Rover for WEPO '14!