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Life at MDX – 7 Tips for Introducing Yourself to New People

  • Thursday, 7 October 2021

Nora Tahir, our Student Support Counsellor, shares her tips for getting to know new people at university.

When you start university – whether you’re coming to campus for your second year after a year of online learning or you’re at the very beginning of your degree – meeting new people is one of the most exciting parts of this amazing new journey!

You may find yourself getting nervous when you’re with a group of unfamiliar people. Do your palms get sweaty? Or do you sometimes find yourself standing awkwardly, unable to think of something to say? If so, you are not alone!

So many people find it difficult and uncomfortable to introduce themselves to others. But shyness won’t help us expand ourselves – and university is the best place to get out of your comfort zone in a safe, supportive environment.

Here are a few tips to help make it easier:

  1. Offer a simple introduction. Keep a few phrases or facts about yourself in your head that you can say if you get nervous. For example, if you have a unique name, give a little explanation or offer to spell it out to expand the conversation.
  2. Ask a question. If you don’t know what to say or feel like you’re not ready to introduce yourself yet, ask a question about where or what you’re doing, such as: “Do you know if this is the right room for the Media Studies class?”. It’s an easy way to break the ice because you’re making them do the talking, and you can go from there!
  3. Keep things relevant. Pay attention to your surroundings. There may be something happening around you that you can use to open up a conversation.
  4. Be honest. Honesty is the best policy: sometimes just stating “Hi, I’m feeling a little awkward but wanted to introduce myself” can do the trick. The chances are that the other person is feeling the same way!
  5. Search for common ground. In the first instance, making friends with your peers as you are studying on the same course can be a great conversation starter. Joining groups shows you have similar interests.
  6. Follow up with questions when possible. It keeps the conversation going. If you’re stuck for ideas, you could ask about the subject they’re studying, their interests or hobbies, or which student clubs they want to join.
  7. Practice open, relaxed body language. Smile, release tension, breathe. Give an aura of confidence – it’s infectious.

Nora Tahir is our dedicated Student Support Counsellor. She is a trained psychologist specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and has experience working with a range of different people using varied strategies and techniques. Nora is here to support you through many different aspects of university life. You can contact Nora at [email protected] and learn more about her and how she can help you on the Centre for Academic Success website.

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