There are many ways to get involved in your community when you arrive on campus. For visiting students, things may be quite different from how they were back home - even the way you meet people and make friends! If you are an incoming freshman, this might be your first time living on your own, but whether you are extremely outgoing or more of an introvert, don't stress yourself out too much: there are plenty of ways to meet people with similar interests. Everyone will be looking to find their place in the John Cabot community. You are not alone!
Here are 6 tips for meeting new people during the back-to-school season:
- Orientation groups
When you first arrive at John Cabot University, you will be placed into a specific group for orientation. You will spend the whole week with this group of people attending seminars, introductory meetings, Navigation 101 (a guided tour to help you get acquainted with Rome), and more. Use these groups to your advantage! Talk to people, don't be shy, and remember that everyone else is probably just as excited and nervous as you are. Enjoy your first few days with the help of the orientation leaders, Resident Assistants and other staff members. - Living in JCU housing
Living in one of the JCU residences is a great way to meet new people. You will automatically be paired with roommates and flatmates. Since JCU has such an international student body, you may wind up living with people from different parts of the world, giving you the chance to learn more about the many nationalities and cultures represented at John Cabot. Use this opportunity to also get to know your neighbors, or fellow residents on the floor above you. You just might find someone to study with, walk to campus with, or just hang out with. - Athletics
By joining a sports team, taking part in a workout class, or simply going to the fitness center in the Gianicolo Residence to exercise, you will most definitely meet some great people that share your interests. If you're shy and are debating whether or not to show up at that workout class you had your eye on, my advice would be to just go for it! You won't regret it. Plus, you'll maintain a healthy lifestyle and make friends at the same time. - Clubs, organizations, and community service
Getting involved in JCU's clubs and extracurricular activities is most definitely one of the best ways to get to know more people. Not only will you meet other students who are passionate about the same things as you, but you will be able to make your university a better place by pursuing your interests together. You can join the multicultural club, the literature club, the chess club, Model United Nations, the Theater Society, and more! Do you have an interest that is not represented yet? Start the club yourself! - Eat meals at the Tiber Café or near campus
One obvious way to make friends is to eat meals surrounded by other people! Instead of heading back to your apartment between classes, why not grab a bite to eat in the Tiber Cafe (JCU's cafeteria) or ask someone from one of your classes to get a panino or slice of pizza al taglio with you near campus? You'll get a delicious meal, and get to know some of your classmates. - Be yourself!
Just be yourself. Be genuine. People will appreciate that, and you'll end up making lifelong friends.
Alexa Vujaklija (Shearer)
Class of 2015
Communications major
Grew up in the United States, Germany, the Republic of Georgia, Russia, and Bulgaria
