Wha What do you mean? I have to TALK to my Professors??

Professors are viewed as larger than life, with an almost celebrity status...probably because they have so much power and authority in their classes. You might think that since I've been here for so long it'll be easier for me to approach my professors...but that's entirely incorrect! Honestly it can be really intimidating to go and talk to your professors. BUT it is not impossible! I am here to tell you that, you CAN get to know your professors, and it might be easier than you think!!

It's important to remember that professors are people too. They may seem 'god' like but they are just people. They were students once and so they understand that university is a time of change and development for students. Don't be afraid to go and talk to them if you're having any issues. You'd be surprised how receptive they are to helping students.

Professors LOVE to talk about their subjects, and their work. If they are teaching the class then they obviously care about the subject and have strong feelings about what they're teaching. Professors are paid to sit in their office and talk to students; take the time to go and see your professors during their office hours. You'd be surprised how few students go to professor's office hours, that means by showing up you're making a connection. It's super easy and it's private so you don't have to worry about having an audience when you go for a chat.

If you feel comfortable, make comments in class. I don't mean to your friends, I mean RAISE YOUR HAND! Show your prof that you care about the class and are engaged with the material. Show your knowledge, that way the professor will recognize you and if (WHEN) you visit their office hours, making it easier to connect with them outside of the classroom.


So basically:
1. Prof's are people and so don't be afraid to go and talk to them.
2. Prof's LOVE to talk so go and visit them at their office hours.
3. TALK IN CLASS, show the prof that you care about what they are teaching.

If you're still a little nervous about talking to your professor, that's ok, being nervous shows that you care about making a good impression. A little nervous energy will keep you on your toes, sometimes saying "I'm a little nervous coming to talk to you," is a good way to break the ice a little bit and might make the conversation flow a little bit easier.

Let me know how it goes in the comment section!

Keepin' it real!!
Nicole

You'll get by with a little help from your friends...

Worried that you won't make any friends when you get to York? Concerned that you'll be lonely?

Wanna know the secret behind making friends at University? COURAGE!

I know it might seem a little wishy washy, but having courage can make all the difference when it comes to meeting new people and making new friends. At York you'll find yourself surrounded by so many different people that it might be a little overwhelming to take that initial step. You might be wondering what opportunities you'll have to meet people, the VERY first chance you'll get will come in the form of FROSH WEEK!

FROSH WEEK runs from Aug 31st to Sept 9th and it will be your first and BEST chance to meet people and make new friends. EVERYONE at Frosh week will be NEW, no one will know anyone...so right off the bat you already have something in common with everyone at Frosh week.

Insert: COURAGE

No one is going to do it for you...you have to be the one to make the effort to talk. You have no idea how easy it is once you get started. A few conversation starters for the socially awkward among us...

1. Hey what's your major?
2. Did you grow up in Toronto?
3. What do you think of this college system?
4. Did the Frosh bosses scare you too when you first got here?
5. Are you totes excited about going to "blank" event?
6. Are you confused about what's going on as well?
7. Are you living in res or staying in the commuter room?
8. Are you pumped for today?
9.What made you choose York?
10.What classes are you in?

With these conversation starters even the most awkward among us can meet people and make friends. Try these out at Frosh week and let me know how it goes!

The folks that you meet on campus...are amazing!

I've never thought of myself as SUPER outgoing. Some people think that I'm super confident and totally into talking to random people, but I'm a very private person, and there are times when I'm REALLY SHY!

Me and My Partner in Crime
a.k.a Me and My sister

So when people ask me "How do you know so many people on campus? or Wow you're so friendly!" I'm always a little surprised..."Who? You mean me?" is my typical response.

In high school we all know our place, we know who our friends are and we have settled into our nest. But in university it's a completely different situation. Suddenly we're not the captain of the team, we're not the A.V. geek we're all BRAND new people. We can become anything we want!


This can be overwhelming even for the most outgoing among us.

So how can you meet people or make friends? Excellent question!

My strategy is to just start talking!! Everyone is nervous, everyone wants to meet people, everyone wants to make a friend...ESPECIALLY in first year.

Here's a few conversation starters for those novice conversationalists
-Random Conversations in class:
1. Hey! What's your major/ What are you studying?
2. How do you like the class/ prof/ t.a.
3. How are you finding the readings?
4. Hey do you know the quickest way to (insert building)
5.I really like your scarf...bag...belt...shoes (make sure you do...people can always tell when you're not being genuine! Don't LIE! )

You meet the most amazing, interesting and unique people in a school the size of York. There are students from over 155 countries that attend school here...just look at me for example I'm an international student from The Bahamas, I'm one example of the diversity that surrounds you when you come to York.

"Tell me more" keeps the convo rolling!

People LOVE to talk and they always want a chance to tell their story...I saw an AMAZING speech by Tony Conte who gave the following tip for talking to people that you don't know...
-When you're talking to someone that you don't really know, ask them to TELL YOU MORE about their major, interests, future plans...basically anything that will keep the conversation going.




Honestly I use this tip all the time and it really works. I have met TONS of new people and asking them to TELL ME MORE about their hobbies, religions and interests has made our conversations much more interesting.

The people that I've met while I've been here have been changed my life in the most unexpected ways. I didn't expect to like York as much as I do now. I thought...I'll be done with this place in 4 years and then I can get on with my life. I've been here for going on 6 years and honestly I don't know how I'm going to handle having to leave...I don't even want to think about!

Seriously take the time to talk to the person next to you in class, in line at the book store, in tutorial or even the people standing next to you in the Second Cup line!

You never know where or how you'll meet your new BEST FRIEND! Try out these tips and let me know how they work out for you...or if you have some other tips that you want to share with me feel free to add them in the comments section!

Please TELL ME MORE about your conversation starters!

Nicole