What to do in the dining hall on the first day of college?

Question

I'm very shy and I am very nervous about walking into the dining hall on the first day. I'm always afraid to sit with random people, because I worry that maybe all of those people know each other, and they'll just think "what the h**l?" if i sit with them. but i also hate sitting at a table alone and wondering if people are thinking "wow look at that loser". Any tips?

Answer 1

Don't just sit down and join in, that would be kind of like wtf but if you go up and say "Hi, I'm ... this is my first day, do you mind if I sit with you?" they might be happy to make a new friend

Answer 2

You aren't the only one that has ever felt this way i am a sophomore in college i went through the same thing and yes i have a few tips.

- start conversations with people before your classes and be friendly chances are they might have lunch the same time as you and when you see them at lunch just walk up and say hello and sit down with them.

(this is how i met the majority of my best friends)

- get on campus a few days early and walk around and meet people probably the best places to do this is at the library or the student union

-get involved on the first day sign up for a club, or study group you want to meet as many as people as you can that way when you are at a place such as the dining hall and you are alone you will usually be able to find a familiar face.

- be friendly, open to new things and confident

Good Luck!

Answer 3

i had lots of friends in college but i've also sat by myself during many lunches and dinners just to be by myself.  noone will think anything of it.  

maybe you should get to know some people in your dorm or your classes that way when you see that at lunch or dinner you can go over and sit with them.  go to all the dorm events. introduce yourself in your hallway. join some clubs or activities.  many people are shy  but, if you want friends you are going to have to open up.

Answer 4

try to talk to your roommate and go with them if possible...its what i did (it just so happens that my roommate was pretty cool). besides even if that plan doesnt work there will be plenty of other lost looking freshman around looking for others to sit with and if that plan doesnt work then you can sit by yourself no one will think anything of you or talk about you because youre sitting by yourself its not HS anymore