Socializing and meeting new people is just as much a part of university as getting a degree. Socializing, however; is a skill which can be improved and mastered through practice and education. Here are some tips that could help improve your socializing skills and potentially help your grades and affect your future career in a good way.
1. Relax and have fun
Socializing as you could imagine is a tool that many people use to have some fun and let go of the stress. Forming bonds with like minded people will make you happier since you will get to go out and experience new things in life. An article by psychologytoday.com discusses the positive impact of having a social life on individuals’ mental health, which is especially important if you want to avoid getting burnt out during your studies.
2. Get some help on your homework
Unlike in highschool, college requires a lot of work and dedication to get actually good grades and this is due to the heavy workload and high expectations from professors. However, the bright side to this is the popularity of having peer study groups and getting help from fellow students and friends. A study on peer-to-peer teaching showed a significant increase in learning when students worked together to figure things out. Also, studying with a group of friends can foster positive habits and improves general quality of life.
3. Professors can help with your grades and careers
To have a professional on your side who knows you by name is good for several reasons. Since professors are the people who set the grading for your assignments and exams, they will probably be more helpful to you if they actually see how dedicated and hard working you are and might give you some tips to improve your grades. Another reasoning behind befriending a professor is having a professional on your team. They don’t only have experience in your friend but also might help out in the future with recommendation letters for graduate school or a job.
4. Networking with professionals in your field
In university, many clubs, associations, and groups will organize events where networking is such a huge part of them. Networking is so important, just ask any business major. Getting to know other professionals within your industry will not only possibly get you an internship but also you can ask them questions about your industry and get helpful tips from them. In an article discussing the value of college, Billy Ray described his experience in college as a gateway to a better life not just because of his degree but also because of the people he met and contacts he made that influenced his career.
Sources:
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/socialization-technique-helps-in-academic-achievement-trial-study-finds/2014/03/05/674d1e0e-a495-11e3-a5fa-55f0c77bf39c_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.a9d1e0518dcc
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/living-mild-cognitive-impairment/201606/the-health-benefits-socializing
- https://www.chronicle.com/article/Its-More-Than-Just-the/127534/
- https://www.nber.org/papers/w23439.pdf