Others On Campus
CMeeting
ollege D iscovery P rogram
Many students express a desire to meet new
people, but have a hard time doing so. Some
feel anxious about meeting others because
they do not know what to talk about. Others
find it hard because it seems like everyone
leaves the campus as soon as class is over.
There are a few simple things that you can do
to build your support network. Consider some
of the tips in this pamphlet and keep in mind
that, like anything else, it may take time to
get more comfortable meeting new people.
Counseling Center
Library Building, Room 422
Office: (718) 631-6370
www.qcc.cuny.edu/Counseling
Hours:
Mondays & Thursdays, 8:45am-6pm
Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 8:45am-7pm
Fridays, 8:45am-5pm
Note: Office hours may change during winter and
summer sessions.
Meeting Others
on Campus
Department of Student Affairs
Michel Hodge
Vice President for Student Affairs
Counseling Center
Library Building, Room 422
718.631.6370
www.qcc.cuny.edu/counseling
Dr. Diane B. Call, President
222-05 56th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11364
www.qcc.cuny.edu
07/2015 704/15
Meeting Others On Campus
Where can I meet people on
campus?
Conversation Starters
• Pets
• Student clubs and associations
• Movies
• Sports teams
• Passions
• Work study / Volunteer work
• Music
• Elective courses in areas of interest
• TV shows
• Facebook/Instagram/Twitter
• Hobbies
• Student Government
• Relationships and dating
• Events and workshops on campus
• Family
• Acquaintances/Friends of friends
• Travel
• Service-Learning Opportunities
• Holidays (New Year, Thanksgiving etc.)
• Study Abroad
• Have you ever…
• The fitness center/Gym
• Adventure
• The Art Gallery
• Leisure time
Speak with a Counselor to help you get more
information about these and other places to
meet people on campus.
• Food
• Vacations
• Clothing and fashion
• Books
• Marriage and children
• Spirituality
• Social life
• Gossip
• What is happening in your environment
right now
• The latest news
• Something they are wearing / you are wearing
• Draw on a previous discussion
Keep in Mind…
• Introduce yourself. Shake the person’s
hand and make eye contact.
• Avoid hot topics such as religion and
politics.
• Be sensitive to another’s feelings. If
you notice someone appears to be
uncomfortable with a topic, switch it up
a bit.
• Ask open-ended questions. These are
questions that can’t be answered with a
simple yes/no or one word response. (e.g.,
“What are some things you enjoy doing?”)
• Watch your body language and tone.
Keep an open posture and friendly
demeanor to show your interest.
• Respond naturally to situations (e.g.,
laugh at a joke).
• Say the other person’s name every now
and then during conversation.
• Use acknowledgment statements such as,
“Aha”, “Hmmm”, “Is that so?”
• Ask questions. Answer questions. Let the
other person talk. Start a new topic when
there is silence.
• Visit the Queensborough Counseling
Center for help with breaking through the
discomfort of meeting others and building
on some of the tips above.