It’s the first year of college and day one of classes. 

You sit down in between a few students. Other than the exchange of a few awkward glances, no words are said. 

Fast forward to finals week and you barely know anyone’s name – the ones you do know are from hearing their names during attendance. 

We as college students, whether introverts or extroverts, need to move past the issue of not wanting to meet people in our classes.

It helps meeting at least one person in each of your classes so you don’t have to go through the whole semester alone. 

You could lose out on the opportunity of maybe meeting a good friend. If you never say even one word to the people around you, you won’t find out if you have anything in common.  

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You might also miss out on meeting like-minded students who share your major. You could possibly collaborate with these people later on as you prepare for your senior project, presentation or even in post-graduate life. 

But even more important, you could be preventing yourself from future job opportunities. 

You are never too young to start networking. 

And for those of you who don’t yet know what you want to do in life, find other students in your classes who can connect you with professionals who can help show you how to use your interests in the workforce and build lasting relationships.

Think about it.

Most classes are one hour and 15 minutes long, two days a week. You could spend just a few minutes twice a week having a quick conversation with someone over the semester. 

It doesn’t have to be overwhelming and it shouldn’t feel forced. Start with something as simple as asking them their major or if they live on campus.

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You’re not expected to become best friends with all your classmates in college, but make a little effort to maybe just get the contact info of a few people around you. 

Whether it’s sharing notes or a meal together, it makes the four years of learning that much more rewarding.

“In every class, the first day I like to get the phone numbers of the person to my right and left,” said Jimmy Hayes, a sophomore accounting major and self-proclaimed introvert who tries to go outside his comfort zone. “That way if I miss a class or need help, I can reach out to the person. Then in the next class I can sit somewhere else and do the same thing to meet more people, it’s a win-win.”

If you wait until someone says “Hi” to you, you may be waiting a while. Be the bigger person and initiate conversation. Then, maybe others will follow suit.

There are many reasons why college students fail to try and meet the people around them.

The biggest is just fear. Fear of maintaining certain appearances, being awkward or not well-liked.

But, the truth is people don’t focus on all your flaws as much as you do yourself. With college students having so much going on, the last thing they are doing is finding ways to call out others’ so-called imperfections and shortcomings. 

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And we’re all going through the same thing. Late nights, loads of notes, getting behind on laundry, constantly checking our bank accounts and missing home.

“I have found that it’s easier if I go up and make it awkward or mess up on purpose so I can laugh at myself with them,” Hayes said. “I have found this to be useful because a lot of people let down their guard and connect with you better once you show them that you are human and make mistakes.”

There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to meeting people. But just learn to find what works best for you and give it a try. 

What’s the worst that can happen, you add more friends to your circle?