Tips for Meeting New People

​You found a fun event and you're excited to go, but none of your friends can make it. This can be a bummer, but don't let it keep you from exploring new things and meeting new people!

• It sounds corny, but start with a smile. You don't have to be the world's most outgoing person, but being approachable and friendly is important.

• Start with a compliment and a question. "I love your shoes, where did you get them?" or "Hey cool sticker for [anyplace], when did you go there? ". Starting out by making it clear you want to chat makes things easier.

• Resist keeping your eyes exclusively on your phone. It's hard for new people to talk to you if you feel closed off or pre-occupied.

• Keep an eye out for other people you might kind of know. Maybe there is someone from your school or club, or someone you have been to events at that venue in the past. "Hey do you go to...?"

• Find a smaller activity. Especially with bigger events there are usually stations for people with different interests. Find something you want to do and the other people there will likely have a shared interest.

• Embrace the awkward. It's ok to feel a little out of place and vulnerable when going somewhere by yourself. EVERYONE feels this way sometimes.

• Accept that not everyone is going to want to have a long conversation. This is not a reflection on you, there is probably just a lot going on.

• If you do go somewhere with a group, be friendly to the people who are there by themselves. Ask them to sit with you and chat for a bit.

• If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, it's totally ok to leave a conversation or an event.