Hi ,

How has your summer been going? Have you already begun designing your residence hall décor or talking with your parents and friends about everything you plan to do as soon as you get to Tulane? Just imagine. In about two months from now, you will be arriving in New Orleans as a true college student. Here, you never know what kind of students you will meet or what relationships you will make that could go beyond your college years.

Navigating the social life of a Tulanian can be difficult when you are also balancing your classwork, physical and mental health, and personal development. It can also feel awkward when meeting new people or disheartening when you see others naturally finding their circles quickly. This is normal and you will not be the only - or first - person to feel this way. For some, this is their first time being around more than 500 people of their age. For others, they are meeting folks from different states and countries, from different religions, with different orientations, values, and life stories. Making new friends while settling into a new locale is a lot to take in and requires patience as well as initiative. Huh? Aren't those two the opposite of each other?

Think of it like this: a way to meet new people and build relationships may require you to leave your comfort zone and put yourself out there. It's going to take confidence to introduce yourself to folks in your residence hall, in your classes, in the Commons, in your Orientation group, to upperclassmen, to faculty and staff, and to the Greater New Orleans community. Do this with an open mind and introduce yourself to people you wouldn't at first think you would have anything in common with. This is the first step - exposing yourself to new people, ideas and experiences will, in return, result in greater opportunities to build these connections. The next step is to take your time and to have patience with yourself. Do not expect everything to fall into place immediately. Do not compare your success or happiness with your peers. Lastly, start small. Start with your roommate, a classmate, or someone you meet an event.

But where can you meet new people? Have no worries, we got you covered. In this Navigator, we're introducing a few of our offices and communities involved in creating fun, inclusive, and creative environments that foster community building across Tulane.

Questions? We are here to point you in the right direction. Contact our team by emailing orientation@tulane.edu. You'll also find helpful resources on our website, orientation.tulane.edu. Make sure to follow us on Instagram (@tulanenslp) and hashtags #TUNSO21 to get to know our team and learn about resources for new students!
 
Roll Wave,
Rachel

Rachel Weber
New Student & Leadership Programs