How to make a big college seem smaller

Creating a sense of community at a giant university can be a challenge. But once you find your niche, it'll feel just like home.

Step 1: Get involved in your major
All departments have a plethora of academic groups, research opportunities, and mentoring tracks. If you have a major in mind, getting involved with these activities can help shrink an intimidating school and introduce you to students with similar interests.

Step 2: Interact in lectures
At big lectures, sit in the first few rows of class and don’t be afraid to throw your hand up occasionally to ask a question or make a comment.

Step 3: Talk with your professors
Visit professors during office hours. Whether you stop by to seek help with an assignment or just to chat, talking with your teachers one-on-one is a great way to get specialized attention.

Step 4: Join activities
One upside to a big school is that it offers a ton of campus organizations catering to specific interests.

Step 5: Make dorm friends
Being comfortable and happy where you live is crucial. See if your university offers any catered residence halls – such as alcohol-free or 24-hour quiet dorms – where you can meet like-minded students. In regular dorms, create a sense of community by organizing study groups and movie nights.

Step 6: Find old friends
If you stayed in state for college, there’s a good chance some of the people you went to high school with are just around the corner or down the street. Look up any classmates you know – even if you weren’t all that close – and see what they’re up to. Chances are they’re just as anxious to have a few familiar faces around and would be thrilled to hear from you.

Step 7: Become a regular

Find a restaurant or coffeehouse near campus where students converge and become a regular there. Securing a designated hangout spot is a great way to give a campus more of a homey feel.