Just moved to a college town ...

[Firefly]

Hey all,

Just moved from Australia to a college town in the US for six months.

Been here for a few weeks, and social opportunities have not come up as often as I was hoping for.

I am working with a university-affiliated organisation, so I have a uni staff card which allows me to take part in uni activities, so thought I might try going to a few things.

Does anybody have any suggestions on how to meet people in this situtation?

F

 

[WestCoaster]

Find a fitness center -- either on campus where you can get a guest pass, or one in town. Find bars near the college and not so near. Join some clubs in town.

Sounds like your job could help in getting some access.

 

[Firefly]

Find a fitness center -- either on campus where you can get a guest pass, or one in town. Find bars near the college and not so near. Join some clubs in town.

Sounds like your job could help in getting some access.

Thanks for the tips!

I am using the college gym at the moment, and started going to one of the fitness classes. Got ignored for the first class, but today got a few looks when I answered a couple of questions from the instructor, and my complete absence of an accent became quite noticable.

Feel kind of weird going to bars on my own. Is it normal to do so in the US? In Australia, it is not so common unless you are a visiting businessman ...

Also went to one of the talks given by a university club. It was fun in itself, but I found most of the people went in groups which made it kind of hard to approach anyone ...

 

[Phyzzle]

Do you look young? A lot of campus clubs aren't used to older staff members partaking. If you can pass for a grad student, that's fine.

 

[Phyzzle]

Feel kind of weird going to bars on my own. Is it normal to do so in the US?

Not really, though I do sometimes anyways. Just bring back your accent; act like you JUST got into the country. Ask if you are supposed to tip. Automatic conversation starter.

 

[Firefly]

Do you look young? A lot of campus clubs aren't used to older staff members partaking. If you can pass for a grad student, that's fine.

Well, I look about 25 or 26 according to the other grad students so I figure it should be okay ...

 

[Firefly]

Not really, though I do sometimes anyways. Just bring back your accent; act like you JUST got into the country. Ask if you are supposed to tip. Automatic conversation starter.

That's a *great* hint. Thanks!

 

[Bible_Belt]

Drunken hook-ups account for most of the sex in college. Get a wing and hit the bars.

 

[Firefly]

Drunken hook-ups account for most of the sex in college. Get a wing and hit the bars.

Pardon my ignorance, but I thought most College students were under the legal drinking age? (or am I being naive?)

 

[Bible_Belt]

Most Americans start their drinking habits in high school. If this country were serious about underage drinking, then all clubs and bars would have an age 21 entry requirement. The 18 and up bars are full of drunk underagers. They either got drunk before they went out ("pre-game") or got drinks from overage friends at the bar, or have a fake id. Underage drinking and fake id fines are a considerable source of revenue for the typical college town municipal government.

 

[Latinoman]

Just make sure you don't buy alcohol for any minors.