Conversation Starters

Ever meet someone that you really wanna talk to? Are you lonely and you wanna change that, but you’re not sure how?

Fret not, random internet stranger! I’ve got you covered. Welcome to meeting people in College 101!

If you’re living on the same floor as someone, there’s a plethora of things to discuss. A plethora. For starters, does the hallway have a peculiar odor? Is there something in the common lounge that bugs you, possibly gnats because people keep eating in there? Are the sinks constantly dripping, no matter how hard you turn the handle? Is there one shower you tend to avoid because the water pressure’s too hard, or there’s one shower you refuse to use because it’s so dimly lit? Bring it up. “Hey, have you ever noticed ___?” Odds are, people will be able to relate to your experiences and they’ll be more than willing to talk about them. Did something interesting happen in your room, like roaches? Got a laundry adventure story? Talk about the events that are going on in your dorm! Isn’t everyone getting kicked out for the holidays? “So, what are your plans for the weekend?”

Let’s go outside a bit, shall we? Have you just met someone who lives on your campus? That’s fantabulous. Wonderful. Just amazing. So, what could you say to them?

We could talk about the dining hall. “Have you tried the __?” Share your favorite meal. Where’s your favorite place to sit in the dining hall? Why? Have you read your school newspaper? There are often campus-wide events posted. Has there been something like a campus-wide blackout? Surely there are common events that bind you together. You guys ride the struggle bus together. Have you been followed by a duck at your local pond? Was it too hot in your dorm, but the window wouldn’t shut? You met someone while painting and then completely didn’t recognize them later? We all have stories to tell, but a lot of people won’t tell them unless they’re asked about it. What kind of stories are you interested in hearing? It could even be advice. “What’s the fastest way to get from here to there?” Did you hear the wind howling last night? What was that all about?

Meeting people in the same “grade”. My school has a required writing class. “What stories have you read for Expos? Which was your favorite? Any you hated? How the heck did you connect all of those seemingly unrelated pieces?” These are probably a bit more generic, the basic “let’s get to know ya” questions, if you will. Most, if not all, of these conversation starters are questions, because they get answers. Sometimes people will talk, other times they need a reason. “How about this crazy weather we’re having? I’ve seen a tree half in bloom, half changed for fall, it was 60 degrees a few hours ago and it’s currently snowing right now.” The classic, “What’s your major?”, “Which campus are you on?”, “What classes do you have? Which is your favorite?”, “Where are you from?”, “How old are you?” (wow, that’s young/old/dude you’re my age, high five/ what we were born in the same month/ SAME DAY??? Super high ten. Maybe even fist bump worthy.)

Meeting people of different ages that go to school with you. Where did you meet them? You could ask so many things. “What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you since you got here?” “What’s your dorm/living arrangement like?” “Favorite class?” “These buses, huh?” “Where’d you meet your best bruh?” “Have you read/watched/listened to ___? No? Are you interested in hearing about it? It’s really interesting, especially this one story…”

I usually ask people their names (and then forget them a few minutes into the conversation. It’s more of an ice breaker than anything, but I’ve gotten some pretty interesting responses from that alone.)

AND! If you’re up for the super challenge. Let’s say you want to get to know someone, but you’re so nervous that you don’t know what to say. We all know rock paper scissors. So here’s what you do. From a distance, you suddenly make eye contact! It’s fist to palm. You did it. You signaled the beginning of a showdown. Only one can be the winner. If it registers with them, they’ll acknowledge and also do a fist to palm. And then, you begin. Some might say this takes more courage than talking, but does it? You’re not saying anything. You’re not struggling for words, or embarrassing yourself over rambling on-you’re a rock paper scissors pro! You totally got this.

I hope this helped you guys. There are so many interesting people in the world. Let’s get to know some, shall we? (and if all else fails and you still want to talk to someone, I recommend Mystic Messenger. Even talking about that can be a conversation starter!)

Good Luck Everyone!