Studying Abroad: Getting Started

I have now been in Edinburgh for a bit over a month, and in that time I have met so many people, most of whose names I think I can remember. It's nice to be back in a school setting, with more than just a handful of people to talk to during the week, and something to do in groups every weekend. Making friends is as fun as it has always been, and hopefully things will continue to be this exciting across the pond.

On this note, today I'd like to share some tips on how to get started on enjoying a study abroad term... (Or life in general, you pick)

1. Remember names and faces

The desire to be recognized may be more prominent in some than others, but deep down it's there for every single one of us. How many times have you been pleasantly surprised that someone you vaguely remember recognized your name and/or face and came up to say hi? And have any of those encounters led to tight friendships?

It feels great to be reminded that you're more than just another brick in the wall, and I'm sure all the strangers around you will agree. If you recognize a face from a party, try calling out the name and say hi. Most of these encounters will result in blank or confused stares, followed by "Oh hey.... sorry, I don't remember your name. I'm (insert name)." or "You... oh yes! You were at (insert name of event), weren't you?", or even the occasional "Do I know you?". But 9 out of 10 times at least, that's another instafriend you've just made, and another person to say hi to in the corridors. It also looks good on you because most names do go forgotten after parties and such.

Technology can also come in handy, e.g. Facebook. It's not just named Facebook - if used correctly, it can be an invaluable tool in helping to match faces with names and not forget them the moment you hit the sack.

2. Make yourself known

There are many ways to handle this one. Stripping in front of the entire class, revealing a lycra superhero costume underneath and then running out of the lecture hall may not work for all (check this one out on YouTube, in case you think I'm on crack), but it is an option if you're feelin' special.

Tamer options include:

1) trying to climb onto one of the back seats of the lecture hall and accidentally flinging someone else's binder a couple rows up front

2) introducing yourself in front of the entire class in a tutorial, only to realize the week after that you weren't supposed to be in that tutorial to begin with

3) getting enrolled in a module that you aren't eligible for, and getting kicked out within a week while the entire class watches on

Golden rule: No offending people. Otherwise, have fun and be unconventional! It could result in making some enemies, or having people wonder if you're mentally challenged, but there will also be people that want to talk to you because they now know you exist.

3. Take initiative

The so-called "locals" aren't going to pay attention to the new kid at the back corner of the classroom; they're probably too busy being cool with their pre-established friend groups. But then, we're all human... if we see someone talking to us, we do notice it even if we try hard our utter best to ignore it. So if you have an excuse to talk to the person that happens to be sitting next to you, go for it.

In a school setting, the easiest starting points are: Who are you, where are you from, what do you study. Or alternatively, you could throw random questions. Like "What's your zodiac sign and what is your opinion on pizza?"

4. Be present

...where people are present. Free food offerings, parties, society meetings, and the list goes on. Oh, and lectures too. Can't meet people without being around them, and can't enjoy a term abroad to the fullest without people!

And no, this does not mean issuing self-invitations to every single party in town or going to a bar alone and proclaiming to the world that you need help from AA.



Disclaimer: C is not responsible for any of these tips not working. And off she goes to treat herself to an early first dinner. (Despite what Blogger says, it's past 4pm here)