As a non-campus college student, how can I become more socially involved?

Question

I am 19 and this is my 2nd year of college. The problem is, I am quite a shy guy who has difficulty talking to girls and public speaking. I took speech class last semester but it doesn't seem to help. I am the same old person with no skills of socializing whatsoever. I have no friends but the ones I used to have in high school and co-workers. I can get very open and jolly at times but it takes a lot of time.. I am not sure if this is a phobia or discomfort but I need advice. please help... For my fear, I don't even call any girls although I have plenty of numbers and don't ask them out on a date. In fact, I get terrified before doing it. Any advice provided by all of you will be highly appreciated.

Answer 1

You go to events at the school, hang out in the quad when you don't have anything to do, and you join a club or something. if you join a club - and this could be anything, for example I helped organize the haunted house on campus for halloween trick or treaters and there i met a few other like minded kids - you;'ll be forced to interact with people. I also joined the school paper, though i quit part of the way through, but i met kids! Thats what i did.

Answer 2

Join some organizations!  Find something you are passionate about and look it up online.  This could be as simple as picketing at a rally for your favorite politician or donating your time stuffing mailers for an organization.  Non-profits are always looking for volunteers.  They can also give you administrative things to do so you don't have to be in a socially awkward situation.  Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Hang out!

Answer 4

Get their e-mail. It's a lot easier. Totally breaks the ice and you get comfortable with her and the transition to phone, to person, is ten times easier.

Good luck and be yourself. Try not to overthink (which us shy people do) and try to focus on the other person (getting to know her) not on yourself. Then the nerves tend to fade more so.

Since you're super shy, I'm going to e-mail you a quesiton I have (on your -email in your profile.)

Answer 5

Join some clubs.  Does your major have a student organization?  Join it.  Campuses are always looking for volunteers for just about everything...It's difficult being a commuter student....do your studying in the library, or just spend more time around campus to read/study.  That's a start.  Good luck to you!  (college prof)