how to give a self introduction speech in college

Self-Introduction Speech Examples & Tips to Help You Be Confident & Calm

Here's how you can nail your self-introduction speech, without the sweaty palms! Go from nervous to natural with these tips.

It's time! The moment for your self-introduction speech is upon you. Are your palms sweating just at the thought? There are two secrets to making it easier to give an introduction speech about yourself: practice and preparation.

And with those two things already on your to-do list, we took care of some of the lifting for you with these self-introduction speech examples. Plus plenty of tips to help you not only get through it but get through it and feel good about it after. Yes, it is possible. And you're on your way!

Easy Self-introduction Speeches for School

It's the first day of school or of the semester. Perhaps you've found yourself in a new classroom halfway through the academic year. No fear, these intros will ease you into things and hook you a few new friends and classroom groupmates, too.

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Self-Introduction for Elementary or Middle School Kids

For the younger kiddos, these intros are all about who they are and what makes them happy.

• "Hi, everybody! My name is [Your Name], and I'm super excited to be in this class with all of you. I'm [Your Age] years old. I live with my family, and we have a dog named [Dog's Name] who likes to eat all my homework. I really love dinosaurs, especially the T-Rex because he's big but has tiny arms, just like my baby brother when he tries to reach for cookies on the high shelf. In my free time, I love building rocket ships from Legos. One day, I hope to become an astronaut and find aliens -- friendly ones, of course!"
• "Good morning, everyone! I'm [Your Name], and I'm really excited to be part of this class. I am [Your Age] years old. At home, I'm the queen/king of board games, although my cat [Cat's Name] often tries to join in and messes up the pieces. My favorite food is pizza, because who can say no to pizza? And when I grow up, I want to be a detective because I love solving mysteries, like where my missing socks go in the dryer. I'm looking forward to learning and having fun with all of you this year!"

Self-Introduction Speech for High Schoolers

Give new classmates an in or let people know that you're just like them so you can make friends once you find the cafeteria.

• "Hey everyone, I'm [Your Name]. I'm new here, so please go easy on me if I can't find my way to the cafeteria. A few facts about me: I love music and play the guitar -- it's like a six-stringed stress buster for me. I'm a total sci-fi geek. If you need someone to debate Star Wars vs. Star Trek, I'm your person! And I have a secret ambition: to try every ice cream flavor in the world. Looking forward to getting to know all of you."

Self-Introduction Speech for College Kids

A quip about your major is a great way to start, but you can also loop in anything you love (or avoid) on your campus too, even if it's the steps by the library that seem to go on for eternity.

• "Hello everyone! My name is [Your Name] and I'm majoring in [Your Major]. When I'm not elbow-deep in textbooks or caffeine, I love exploring the city, one coffee shop at a time. Yes, I'm a self-confessed coffee addict and my dream is to find the perfect cup of coffee. I also enjoy [Another Hobby], because what's life without a little variety, right? Excited to be on this journey with you all!"

Job Interview Self-Introduction Speech

There's nothing like the dreaded "tell us about yourself" comment at an interview. The good news? You won't have any more nightmares because this intro is the perfect way to ease into the answer.

• "Good morning/afternoon! I'm [Your Name], and it's a pleasure to meet you. I graduated from [Your University] with a degree in [Your Major], and since then, I've gained [Number of Years of Experience] years of experience in the [Your Field] field. During my previous role at [Your Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility] and I [Describe a Key Achievement or Impact You Made]. What I particularly enjoyed about that role was the opportunity to [Something You Enjoyed that Relates to the New Job]. In my free time, I enjoy [Briefly Mention a Hobby], which helps me to [Explain How It Applies to the New Role]. For example, [Concrete Example of How Hobby Relates to Job]. I'm excited about the possibility of bringing my unique experience and passion for [Mention Something About the Company or Role] to this position. Thank you for this opportunity to interview."
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Work Self-Introduction Speeches

Make a smooth, witty, and warm self-introduction when you land the job or want to kick off an introduction with ease.

Introduction for a New Job

You're the new kid on the block at the office, you have enough to learn, here's an easy intro on your first day before jumping in.

• "Hello team, I'm [Your Name]. I'm thrilled to be joining the [Company Name] family as your new [Your Job Title]. I come with a background in [Relevant Skills or Experience], and most recently, I was at [Previous Company] where I [Describe a Key Achievement or Project]. Outside work, I love [A Personal Interest or Hobby]. I look forward to collaborating with all of you and contributing to our shared success."

Introduction for a Presentation or Meeting

Before you launch into the important information, take a moment to let people know who you are, why you're giving this presentation, and why you're qualified to do it. After all, you've done all the hard work, allow your accolades to shine.

• "Good morning/afternoon everyone, for those who don't know me yet, I'm [Your Name], the [Your Job Title] here at [Company Name]. I oversee [Briefly Describe Your Responsibilities]. I've been with [Company Name] for [Duration at the Company], and before that, I worked at [Previous Company]. Today, I'm excited to discuss [Topic of Presentation or Meeting]. Although if you want to chat after, I also love [Hobby]."

Introduction for a Networking Event

You'll be introducing yourself a lot at networking, so now is the time to make yourself pop and be memorable.

• "Hello, I'm [Your Name], currently serving as a [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. I've been in the [Your Industry] industry for [Number of Years], specializing in [Your Specialty]. When I'm not [Job-Related Activity], I like to [Personal Interest or Hobby]. I'm eager to meet like-minded professionals and see how we can help each other grow in our careers."

Introducing Yourself at a Funeral

Whether you're delivering a eulogy, poem, or making a brief introduction of yourself to other family and friends, you can rely on this intro to make things a little easier.

• "Good morning/afternoon, everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I had the honor of being [Deceased's Name]'s [Your Relation to the Deceased, e.g., friend, colleague, neighbor]. We shared many [memories/experiences] together, and I am here to pay my respects and celebrate the remarkable life they led. Their [specific quality or memory] has always stuck with me, and it is something I will carry in their memory."

How to Introduce Yourself at a Party

It's party time! Keep the intro laid back and casual.

• "Hi! I'm [Your Name]. I may know some of you from [How You Know Some People at the Party]. I'm [a brief sentence about yourself, e.g., your job, where you're from]. I'm a bit of a [Hobby] enthusiast, so if you ever want to chat about [Topic Related to Hobby], I'm all ears."

Examples of How to Introduce Yourself to a New Group

You're the newbie, and there's nothing wrong with that. Start your clean slate with a short and sweet intro.

• "Hello, everyone! My name is [Your Name]. I'm thrilled to be joining this group! I have always been passionate about [Your Hobby]. It all started when [A Short Story About How You Got Started With This Hobby]. Over the years, my love for it has only grown, and I've spent countless hours [Describe Something You Do Related to The Hobby].
• Apart from this, I'm [Something About Your Job or Other Interests]. In my day-to-day life, I'm a [Your Profession], which can be pretty demanding, but [Your Hobby] has always been my perfect stress-buster.
• I joined this group because I wanted to meet people who share this passion, learn from your experiences, and hopefully contribute with some of my own insights. I'm really excited to be a part of this community and can't wait to get to know all of you better!"

10 Tips for Writing and Making a Self-Introduction Speech

Here are some tips to keep in mind while writing and giving your self-introduction speech. The most important tip, however, is to do what feels natural and flows easily.

• Know Your Audience : Tailor your introduction to the context and the audience. A self-introduction at a professional event will be very different from one at a casual party.
• Start Strong: Grab the audience's attention from the beginning. You can start with an interesting fact about yourself, a short story, or a joke if the setting is informal.
• Keep It Brief: Your introduction should be concise and to the point. Stick to key details about who you are, what you do, and perhaps one or two interesting facts or hobbies.
• Be Authentic : Genuine introductions are the most memorable. Be honest about who you are and don't be afraid to show some personality.
• Highlight Key Moments : Especially in a professional setting, it can be helpful to highlight a few key experiences or achievements that have defined your career or personal life.
• End on a Positive Note: Conclude your introduction on a positive or forward-looking note. You could express excitement about the event or meeting, or share a hope or goal for the future.
• Practice, Practice, Practice : Rehearse your introduction speech so you can deliver it confidently and naturally. This will help reduce any nerves and ensure you come across as polished and professional.
• Be Engaging : Use body language to engage your audience. Make eye contact, smile, and use gestures where appropriate.
• Relate It to the Purpose of the Event : If there's a specific reason for your introduction (like starting a new job, or joining a club), make sure to mention your relationship to the event or group and your expectations or goals.
• Provide A Personal Touch : Share a little about your personal life (like a hobby or interest) to make your introduction more unique and memorable.

Remember, the goal is to introduce yourself effectively, not to tell your entire life story. Keep it brief, engaging, and genuine .

Introducing Yourself With Ease

Sit yourself in front of the mirror, and run through your lines like an actor for a play, and in no time at all, the words will flow and you'll find a natural cadence. You may even surprise yourself with how easily your introductions flows once you take the stage. Don't be surprised if people ask how you were so calm and cool.

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How to Write a Speech Introducing Yourself

Last Updated: November 1, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,828,639 times.

First impressions have a big impact on how others perceive you, so how you introduce yourself to others is extremely important. Many people call an introductory speech an elevator speech, because it should be succinct enough that you could introduce yourself and tell someone about your goals or interests in the time it takes to ride an elevator. It may also be called an "icebreaker" speech, as it breaks the ice and lets others get to know you. [1] X Research source Consider your words carefully when you write a speech introducing yourself. Crafting a good self-introduction can either build or harm your credibility.

Sample Speeches

Preparing Your Speech

• State your name in the very first sentence of your speech. This can be very straightforward: "Good afternoon!/Good morning! My name is Deshawn Smith, and I am a computer programming student at the University of Arkansas."
• If the introduction is work-related, mention your interests and your career goals together in the same sentence. This will save on time and convey that your personal interests can serve your professional goals. For example, "I am working on an app that allows people to order pizza from their Twitter account."
• You may want to mention your education or professional training background, if it is relevant and appropriate. "This is the fifth app I've designed. My second app, which helped people locate dog parks near them, won an award at my university."

• If you are explaining your passion or goal and how it helped formed your progression up to this point, that can help you tell a compelling story about yourself. For example, if you're writing a speech for your college speech class, you might want to explain how you got into computers at an early age and why they're important to you now as you pursue your career goals.
• If, however, you are introducing yourself to potential clients at a business lunch, they are probably not interested in your hobbies. They will want to know what you are doing right now and what your skills are.
• Try writing one draft with your experience/hobbies and one without, and run both versions by an objective listener who can give you feedback before your speech.

• Highlight the qualities, skills and experience you have that are most relevant for the audience and occasion. For example, "Because of my background in app writing and my extensive network of professional connections, I have a strong grasp of what today's young professionals are looking for. My apps offer convenience and immediate gratification."
• You are trying to present yourself as a professional while making a strong and lasting impression.
• If you're trying to sell yourself to a group of new colleagues, you probably won't need to tell them about your family life, or anything outside of work that isn't directly relevant.

• You can simultaneously demonstrate your skills and experience, while presenting yourself as a forward-looking person who is always learning and developing. For example, you could say, "I spend a lot of time attending app conventions and conferences so I can learn what audiences are looking for. I pride myself on staying on the cutting edge of app design."
• Try to tie this into your broader outline of your career goals and personal development.
• Reader Poll: We asked 115 wikiHow readers which job interview question is the most important to prepare for, and 58% of them said tell me about yourself. [Take Poll] This speech is a perfect way to answer.

Revising and Practicing Your Speech

• Make sure that if this is an assignment, you stay within the assigned guidelines.
• If your speech is supposed to be 3-5 minutes, a 7-minute speech and a 2-minute speech are equally inappropriate.
• If you are giving a brief introductory speech in an interview , be certain that you don't go over the recommended time.

• Avoid long rambling sentences, and use direct and concise prose as much as possible.
• Think about your sentence structure carefully. Reading your speech out loud will help you determine when you have overly long sentences that need to be restructured.

• Practicing in front of other people will enable you to gauge whether your speech captures the interest of your listeners.
• Think about which parts of the speech were successful and which parts weren't.
• Try to get as much detailed feedback as possible by asking specific as well as general questions after your speech.
• As well as saying "how did you like the speech?", ask specifically what parts were the strongest and weakest.
• Check that you delivered a clear message by asking your practice audience what they took away from the speech.

• If you are staring down at a piece of paper all the time, the audience might struggle to truly engage with what you are saying.
• You can, however, bring an index card with bullet points, just in case you freeze up. You shouldn't write your whole speech on the card, just the main points you hope to cover.
• Think of the card as a point of reference, rather than a backup for your speech.

Planning Your Speech

• Who is the intended audience?
• What is the purpose of my introduction?
• What are the expectations others may have?

• Stick to one or two main points you want to convey about yourself. You can always add more if time allows it.
• Depending on the audience and function of your speech, you shouldn't allow the focus to become too narrow. For example, if you're introducing yourself to a crowd of prospective investors, you'd focus on your skills to build their confidence in you. If you're introducing yourself to a general audience -- say, for a speech class in college -- you can be a bit more wide-ranging.
• Remember that you're introducing yourself in general, and you want to present yourself as an interesting and rounded individual. [12] X Research source
• That doesn't mean you should spend time talking about your love of baseball when you are introducing yourself in a professional scenario.

• Are you hoping to win someone over to your point of view with this introduction, or to inspire/motivate someone to work hard under your leadership?
• All of these will affect the things you say in your introduction and the way you say them. [14] X Research source

Delivering Your Speech

• You can also try some visualization techniques to help ease your nervousness and give you confidence for your speech.
• Imagine the way you will feel when you have finished delivering your speech and are met with smiling faces and resounding applause. Then channel that confidence into the actual speech you are about to deliver.

• Avoid crossing your arms or clutching your hands.
• Don't stare down at the ground or cling to the table or lecture in front of you.
• Make eye contact across the room in a measured and controlled way. Avoid lingering on one person, but also avoid darting your eyes back and forth restlessly.
• Try making eye contact with one person on the left side of the room, then one person on the right side of the room. Shift across the room, but in a controlled way that feels natural and relaxed.

• Aim for a comfortable, conversational pace of dialogue.
• Practicing your speech in front of other people, or recording it and listening back are great ways to judge the tempo of your speech.

• Self-deprecating humor can help you come across as humble and likable. For example, if you've accidentally skipped forward in your speech and have to circle back, you could say something like, "And now I'm going to cycle back and tell you something I forgot before. If you wanted to get to know the "real me," you're seeing it now!"
• You can also make a quick, humorous nod to your mistake and move on. For example, if you come out and you mess up the very first line, you could say something like, "Wow, excuse me. Here I am so excited to tell you about myself that I've mixed up all my words. Let me try that again."
• Don't be too self-deprecating, however. You are still trying to ensure people remember you for your strengths and competencies. Move on quickly.

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

• Improve eye contact with the audience. Be direct and move confidently during the speech. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 3
• Do not be afraid to make yourself sound good. After all, this is an introduction, and the first impression you will make. Thanks Helpful 24 Not Helpful 4
• If the introduction is too long, you will lose your audience's attention. A good introduction should be short and to the point. Thanks Helpful 20 Not Helpful 6

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://courses.p2pu.org/en/groups/public-speaking-2/content/icebreaker-introduce-yourself/
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/publicspeakingprinciples/chapter/chapter-8-outlining-your-speech/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-give-an-elevator-pitch-examples
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/serenitygibbons/2023/05/31/3-tips-to-set-yourself-apart-with-unique-branding/?sh=5421a3b03baa
• ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/oralcommunication/guides/shortening-a-speech
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/speeches/
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-delivery
• ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-publicspeaking/chapter/methods-of-speech-delivery/
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/oral-comm-lab/audience-analysis
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/6-1-purpose-audience-tone-and-content/
• ↑ https://pac.org/content/speechwriting-101-writing-effective-speech
• ↑ https://sps.columbia.edu/news/five-ways-improve-your-body-language-during-speech
• ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/02/tips-speaking
• ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/

About This Article

To write a speech introducing yourself, start by organizing the information you want to include. When writing content, consider the purpose of the speech, your intended audience, and your goals for the introduction. You can speak about your education, professional background, career/career goals, and outside interests, but keep things brief and to the point. Only include information that is important and relevant to your listeners. Don't forget to state your name in the first sentence of the speech. To learn more from our English Ph.D. co-author, such as how to practice and memorize your speech, continue reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Introduce Yourself in College (as a Student)

Starting college can be exciting, overwhelming—and scary. Meeting and getting to know new people on campus is one of the best ways to feel more comfortable and at ease from the first day. People who make new friends in college report having an easier time adjusting to campus life and are also more likely to still be around in their second year. [ 1 , 2 ]

Whether you are moving into a dorm, commuting to college, or taking online classes, this article can help you figure out how to introduce yourself to people in college and become part of the social scene on campus.

1. Assume you’re not the only new student

Your first day of classes can feel a lot like being the “new kid” in school who doesn’t know how to get to their homeroom class or who to sit with at lunch. It can be daunting when you don’t know anyone in your new school, but most people you meet on your first day are also new students. This means that most will be just as eager (and nervous) to meet new people as you are, which makes it easier to figure out how to approach people and make friends .

2. Craft an intro speech

Because there’s a good chance that you will get asked to introduce yourself many times in your first days in college—for example, in some of your classes—you may want to craft a brief introduction speech.

Good intros provide basic information about who you are, where you are from, and what your goals are for college, as well as providing an interesting detail or two that people can remember you by.

Here is an example of a good intro to use when first meeting other students or professors:

“Hi, my name is Carrie, and I’m originally from Wisconsin. I’m a military kid, so I’ve lived all over the US and Europe. I’m hoping to major in finance and also to study abroad.”

Practicing some words to say in specific situations can be particularly useful for transfer students. If you are one of them, take a look at this article on how to make friends as a transfer student .

3. Make a positive, intentional impression

People form first impressions of others within seconds of meeting them, with or without their knowledge. Being intentional about the impression you make helps you take advantage of these first opportunities to meet people at college.

Here are some tips on how to start a self-introduction:

• Intention : Your “goal;” what you hope to achieve by introducing yourself.

Example: Set yourself the goal of sharing more about your major (e.g., “I’m majoring in finance and would love to meet others in my department!”).

• Impression : Something you want others to remember about you.

Example: Consider making a memorable impression by sharing something interesting about yourself (e.g., “A fun fact about me is that I’m fluent in Russian”).

• Inside information : “Inside information” is what you want others to know about you.

It should give others important clues to who you are and what you are looking for in your college experience. Example: “I am from Hawaii, so this is my first time on the mainland and it’s really different! I’m still adjusting to the weather.”

4. Initiate 1:1 conversations

It can be overwhelming to introduce yourself to a class or large group of people, and it can also be difficult to form personal connections this way. Try to approach people who seem like they have things in common with you, as friendships are more likely to develop among people who are similar to each other. [ 5 ] Start by walking up, saying hello, and introducing yourself. If they seem open to talking, you can also start a more in-depth conversation by asking them questions about where they are from or how they are settling in.

5. Connect with suitemates before school starts

Being on-campus gives you a big advantage because it makes it easier to adjust and adapt to college life and also provides more natural opportunities to meet people and make friends. [ 4 ]

If you are moving into on-campus housing, consider reaching out to your suitemates before school starts by searching for them on social media or using contact information provided to you by the college.

This way, you can both go to college knowing at least one other person, which can make the first days easier. Also, connecting on social media ahead of time has been proven to make your first interactions with housemates less awkward. [ 2 ]

6. Learn people’s names

Make a point to remember the names of people you meet and talk to, and try to use their names aloud in a conversation with them. This simple trick is a proven way to help you remember names and also helps you make a positive impression on people. [ 6 ] When you know their name, it’s also easier to say hello or start conversations with them when you see them in class or around campus.

7. Talk about common struggles

Inconveniences are a part of the adjustment process to college life but also provide opportunities to naturally connect and relate to people. For example, saying, “I’ve been there!” to someone who looks lost on campus, is rushing to class, or just got a parking ticket can be a great “in” to introduce yourself. By being observant of other people, you can often find opportunities to use this approach and even offer a helping hand to someone.

8. Be active in your classes

Being active in your classes is one of the best ways to get to know your classmates while also getting to know your professors. Speaking up and sharing your input and opinions in class will help your classmates get to know you while also helping you form a good relationship with instructors. Good relationships with your professors can help open doors in your academic and professional life, as well as helping you adjust to college. [ 3 ]

9. Develop an on-campus social media presence

Research has shown that connecting with new college friends on social media can help new students build a new social life. Students who are socially connected with other students also have an easier time transitioning to college and are also more likely to still be enrolled in college the next year. [ 1 , 2 ]

You can work on building your social media presence at college by:

• Cleaning up your social media profiles by making sure pictures and posts are up-to-date and reflect the content you want others to see.
• Join social media groups with other students at your college.
• Stay up-to-date on current events and activities on campus by subscribing for updates or following university social media accounts.
• Connect 1:1 with classmates, friends, and people at your dorm on social media to message and connect directly with them.

10. Get involved in your college’s social scene

If you stay cooped up in your dorm and only come out for classes and bathroom breaks, you will have a hard time adjusting to college life. Going to on-campus events is a proven way to help students adjust, adapt, and develop an active social life in college. [ 3 , 7 ]

There are many ways to get more active and involved in on-campus activities, including:

• Consider the Greek life : Research different sororities and fraternities at your school, and consider attending a recruitment event.
• Attend campus events and socials : Attend events and socials on campus to meet new people and get oriented to campus life.
• Join a club, sport, or activity : If you have a hobby or interest, consider joining an existing club, sport, or activity at your school to meet people with similar interests.

11. Invite people out

Asking people to hang out can be difficult and intimidating but gets easier with practice. The key is to keep the invitation casual by saying something like, “Here’s my number. We should study together sometime” or, “I was thinking of going for coffee later if you feel like joining?” By taking this first step, you are showing interest in people, being friendly, and creating a chance to connect with them more personally.

12. Ask good questions

When people are nervous, they often ramble or talk too much about themselves, but one of the best ways to make conversation is to ask good questions. Asking questions is a great way to show interest in other people, which is proven to make you more likable. [ 6 ] Asking questions can also be a great way to keep a conversation going or to go deeper in a conversation and find things in common with someone .

Here are some questions to introduce yourself and find things in common with people:

• “What did you think about class today?”
• “Where are you from originally?”
• “What are you majoring in?”
• “How are you adjusting?”
• “What kinds of things do you like doing outside of class?”

13. Hone your online introduction

If you are in an online class, it’s a good idea to customize your profile in ways that help your professor and classmates get to know you. Add a photo and brief message to your profile for online classes. Also, introduce yourself to individual classmates by responding directly to their posts, messages, or online introductions. This can provide them with some validation while also giving you an easy ‘in’ to start future conversations with them.

14. Get people to come to you

You don’t have to do all of the work to introduce yourself and start conversations with people, especially if you know how to get people to come to you. According to research, being friendly, showing interest in others, and giving people your undivided attention go a long way towards making a good impression. [ 6 ] Being open and participating in classes also helps to attract people to you who share similar interests, ideas, and goals.

You can create easy opportunities for people to approach you by:

• Coming to class a few minutes early or taking your time leaving
• Studying in public areas of campus
• Attending more on-campus events
• Responding to comments of other students in classes
• Talking about your interests and opinions in classes

15. Develop an inside-out approach

People will feel more comfortable talking to you and can relate to you better when you take an ‘inside-out’ approach, letting more of your true thoughts, feelings, and personality show. [ 6 ] Often, being nervous causes people to hide their true self or put on a front or persona, but being more authentic is proven to lead to more genuine and meaningful interactions. [ 8 ]

Final thoughts

• Gray, R., Vitak, J., Easton, E. W., & Ellison, N. B. (2013). Examining social adjustment to college in the age of social media: Factors influencing successful transitions and persistence. Computers & Education , 67 , 193-207.
• Yang, C. C., & Lee, Y. (2020). Interactants and activities on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: Associations between social media use and social adjustment to college. Applied Developmental Science , 24 (1), 62-78.
• Terenzini, P. T., Rendon, L. I., Upcraft, M. L., Millar, S. B., Allison, K. W., Gregg, P. L., & Jalomo, R. (1994). The transition to college: Diverse students, diverse stories. Research in higher education , 35 (1), 57-73.
• Buote, V. M., Pancer, S. M., Pratt, M. W., Adams, G., Birnie-Lefcovitch, S., Polivy, J., & Wintre, M. G. (2007). The Importance of Friends: Friendship and Adjustment Among 1st-Year University Students . Journal of Adolescent Research, 22 (6), 665–689.
• Van Duijn, M. A., Zeggelink, E. P., Huisman, M., Stokman, F. N., & Wasseur, F. W. (2003). Evolution of sociology freshmen into a friendship network. Journal of Mathematical Sociology , 27 (2-3), 153-191.
• Bradberry, T. (2017). 13 habits of exceptionally likable people . HuffPost .
• Bohnert, A. M., Aikins, J. W., & Edidin, J. (2007). The Role of Organized Activities in Facilitating Social Adaptation Across the Transition to College . Journal of Adolescent Research, 22 (2), 189–208.
• Rodebaugh, T. L. (2009). Hiding the self and social anxiety: The core extrusion schema measure. Cognitive Therapy and Research , 33 (1), 90.

Hailey Shafir is a licensed mental health counselor, licensed addiction specialist, and clinical supervisor working out of Raleigh, NC. She has a Masters in Counseling from NC State University, and has extensive professional experience in counseling, program development, and clinical supervision. Read more .

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