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4 tips for meeting people and connecting if you’re an introvert

Finding your community on campus can feel intimidating, especially if it’s not in your nature to be the first to start the conversation. We’ve put together four key strategies to help you connect, grow and participate if you consider yourself an introvert. 

1. Use campus resources

You’ve probably heard it before, but there really are lots of resources available here at CU to help you meet new people, discover new interests and create new passions.

Center for Student Involvement 

The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) is campus’ main department for student activities. CSI’s student employees and staff can answer questions and offer tips to help you find events or student groups that are specific to your interests. From student organizations to events happening on campus and more, CSI is a great place to get started.  

Check out Involvement 101 for answers to basic questions about getting involved. And take the involvement quiz to reflect on what your interests may be and the type of organizations or activities you can start to look for. 

BuffConnect

BuffConnect is CU’s student organization directory. This is another great resource, especially if you have an idea of what type of group you want to get involved with. Through BuffConnect, you can search for student organizations based on category, alphabetical order or upcoming events. Visit an organization’s webpage to read more about them, find contact information and get information about their meetings. 

Volunteer Resource Center

The Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) can help you explore opportunities to make an impact in your community. Their philosophy of learn, serve and reflect allows you to make meaning of your experience and identify how your experience has impacted your approach to community service. Browse the VRC’s Volunteer Calendar and Database or connect with the VRC to find opportunities that match your interests and your schedule.

2. Take advantage of technology

There is no doubt we’re living in the digital age, so why not take advantage of the power of that connection? Try signing up for a student organization or club’s newsletter or following their social media accounts. You’re likely to discover activities that you didn’t know existed. Here are some links to help you get started:

Newsletters

Websites

Social Media

  • You can follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! 

3. Plan ahead

Once you’ve found an event or activity you want to participate in, you can help ease any worry or anxiety by preparing in advance. For example, when you attend your first meeting, you’ll likely be asked to introduce yourself and talk about things like your year in school, major and interests. So before you go, think about how you might answer so you can be ready with information you feel comfortable sharing. 

Attending your first meeting with an open and prepared mind can help you handle these icebreakers and conversation starters. 

4. Find what works for you

Remember that student organizations are exactly that – by and for students. If you attend a meeting and discover that it’s not for you, that’s okay. There are plenty of other organizations to try and ways to get involved. If joining a student organization doesn’t interest you, how about an intramural sports team through the Rec Center? Or perhaps doing volunteer work instead? The important thing is to continue trying new things to find what you really like!

If you’re still feeling unsure about how to get involved you can email the CSI office and schedule an appointment with a staff member to meet one-on-one to talk through opportunities and get the motivation and tools you need to get involved!

For more tips and resources on events and getting involved, visit the Student Affairs website, check out student events webpage and be sure to follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter!