It's rather nerve wracking stepping out of your comfortable circle of friends and having to make new ones. But, when everyone is in the same boat, things get easier. It's worth putting in the effort to meet the right people, who you can be yourself with, because these connections can last a lifetime and make your journey here at LSE all the more meaningful.
So, where and how do you meet people?
Start at home
Almost every city has a Destination LSE event, which is a great place to meet the people from your neighbourhood with whom you will be starting this journey. Finding people from your own city to share this journey with, can make the process really simple. Moreover, become part of various groups on Facebook and WhatsApp and connect with people studying your subject or staying at your hall, before you come in. This way, all is not unfamiliar.
Housemates and course peers
LSE Welcome allows for a good opportunity to interact with the people on your course. It's not that hectic, so after Welcome presentations, go out with people from your class and get talking. Talk not only to people from your country or continent, talk to as many people as you can.
Plus, if you're staying at an LSE hall of residence or another student accommodation, Welcome is a great place to meet people from other departments and even other universities. This way you have people at School and at your hall. Even if you don’t luck out with the people you live with, it's okay and there will always be other places you can meet new people.
Events
During your initial days and beyond, go to as many events that interest you as you can. There's no better place to connect with someone who shares the same interest as you. You never know, you could be sitting next to someone who has the same ambitions as you. Not only events at LSE, but go to networking events also, which is a great place to meet people from your industry and make valuable connections.
Join LSESU societies
LSESU societies are one of the best places to meet and work with likeminded people. So many lifetime friendships have been made while organising events, working towards a goal and travelling together. This is a no-brainer, but if you're too shy to do this, I would encourage you to push yourself and give this a go.
Outside college
Engage yourself in things outside college. Pick a hobby, join an acting, dancing, poetry or any other class for just an hour a week. Just one hour of that time will be so rejuvenating, plus meeting new people at these classes from all walks of life will be really refreshing.
Say hi!
This is so obvious, but so many of us are unconsciously unable to do it. Make an extra effort and be the first one to start a conversation. You’ll be surprised at how many interesting conversations you can start, by just taking that extra step. So don’t hesitate and be open to meeting all kinds of people. LSE is a global university with diverse people, let your experience be diverse as well!
Written by LSE Social Media Ambassador Yashi Jain