You have just graduated from high school and you are facing that huge, ominous thought called, “Petroleum Engineering school.” What will it be like? Will I know anybody? Will I be popular like I was in high school? Well, college is a big step and it is quite different than life in high school. Being popular is a very important factor to the overall college experience.
That first year in college really helps to set the tone for the rest of your college stay. As you meet people and take more classes you will obtain a wider circle of friends. Professors will also get to know you as your stay increases in time. One thing is certain however, if you plan on becoming popular by drinking and smoking pot, you might as well drop out of school now and go home. Yes, you may become popular but it won’t be with the type of people that will be beneficial to you.
So, how do you achieve popularity in college? Here are some thoughts.
Try and be friendly with everyone.
Be as friendly and outgoing as you can. Granted, this is very difficult at the beginning since you don’t know anyone at all. But consider this: everyone else is in pretty much the same boat. Therefore, try and be friendly and, at least, smile at everyone. One of those smiles might spark a conversation. Others tend to gravitate to people who seem to be friendly and approachable. Try and avoid those people who gossip and talk about others behind their backs. That will never get you any friends.
Be active in clubs and organizations.
There are tons of activities in college that you can join and become an active member. Each one you join will offer you the opportunity to meet new people. Some of these people you would not have met any other way than by joining that particular organization. Believe me, there is no shortage of things to do in college that can help you meet new people. As you add more and more friends, the more popular you tend to get. Parties are also a great way to meet new people and to further develop new friendships which you have already made.
Be smart and work hard.
There is an old adage that being smart and intelligent makes you very unpopular in college. This is not actually true. Sure, you may be looked down upon by some of the loafers who are too lazy to get good grades, but they are not the ones that you want to hang around with anyway. Working hard and getting good grades will actually make you very popular. First of all, you will get to stay in school.
Unlike high school, bad grades in college can get you booted out the door rather quickly. So, by working hard you are maintaining a good grade average which will help you to remain in school. The longer you are there, the more friends you make and the more popular you become. Also keep in mind that there are study groups in most colleges. If you get involved in one of them it affords you the opportunity to help other students and thus, add to your list of friends.
Yes, as you leave high school and attend college you will see a huge difference. It is a much larger playing field with many more people to deal with on a daily basis. This larger playing field will offer you many opportunities for friendships. The way you handle these opportunities can shape, not only your college life, but your life for many years following graduation. The popularity which you seek can be a very valuable commodity in your future plans.
