College Life
Making Connections
Use this page when you want to get to know classmates, find a study partner, feel more comfortable with your instructors, or find events to attend.
What many students notice
At a community college, many students come to class, leave for work or family, and never talk to anyone. That is common, and it is understandable. But students who know even one or two classmates often find college easier. They have someone to ask about an assignment, someone to study with, and someone who notices when they are missing.
Making a connection does not need to be big. It can start with one question before class.
- Most students want to connect, too. Many are waiting for someone else to speak first.
- Short conversations count. Two minutes before class is a real connection.
- Online classes have classmates, too. Discussion boards and messages are places to connect.
Four ways to connect
- A classmate. Learn one person’s name in each class. Exchange contact information, so you can ask about a missed class or a confusing assignment.
- A study partner or group. Two or three people who meet to review notes, quiz each other, or work through a hard reading. Meeting online counts.
- Your instructors. Go to office hours once early in the term, even with a small question. An instructor who knows your name can help you more, and can later write a reference for a job or a program.
- Campus and community events. Speakers, club meetings, job fairs, performances, and service projects are easy places to meet people, because everyone already has something in common to talk about. Many events are free. Going with a classmate makes it easier the first time.
Where to find events
- The OCTC events calendar. OCTC Events (opens in a new tab) lists what is happening on campus.
- Blackboard announcements and your college email. Campus events are often announced there too.
- Flyers and screens on campus. Look in hallways, the library, and student areas.
- Your instructors. Some instructors share events connected to the course, and a few give credit for attending.
- Your community. Public libraries, community centers, and local festivals hold free events. Many welcome newcomers and families.
You do not have to share personal information to connect. Talking about the class, the reading, or the event you are at is enough. Share only what you are comfortable sharing.
Example: starting a conversation
Two students are waiting for class to start. Each number matches a note below.
Student 1: Hi, I’m Lin. Did you finish the reading for today?1
Student 2: Hi, I’m Marcus. Most of it. The second part was hard.
Student 1: I thought so, too.2 Would you like to study together before the quiz?3
Student 2: Sure. I’m free Wednesday afternoon.
Student 1: Great. Can I get your email, or should we use Blackboard messages?4
- A name and a class question. The question is about something you share, so it is easy to answer.
- Agreeing. A short agreement shows you were listening.
- An invitation. Would you like to is polite and easy to say yes or no to.
- A way to stay in touch. Offering a choice lets the other person pick what is comfortable.
Language focus: invitations and replies
Inviting someone, and answering
An invitation in English is usually a question. A polite reply, yes or no, is short and friendly.
| To invite | To say yes | To say no politely |
|---|---|---|
| Would you like to study together? | Sure, that would help. | Thanks, but I can’t this week. |
| Do you want to meet before the test? | Yes, when are you free? | I’d like to, but I work every evening. |
| Let’s compare our notes after class. | Good idea. | Maybe another time? |
After Would you like, use to + base verb: Would you like to study? After Let’s, use the base verb with no to: Let’s study.
A “no” with a reason, such as work, is not rude in a U.S. college. It is normal. You can suggest another time if you want to.
Sentence starters
Fill in each blank with your own words.
- To start a conversationHi, I’m . Are you in too?What did you think of ?
- At an eventIs this your first time at ?What brought you to ?
- To ask about a missed classI missed class on . Could I see your notes?
- To invite in a discussion boardIs anyone interested in studying for together online?
Where to start at OCTC
- Your instructor’s office hours. Find them in the syllabus. See Interacting in class for what to expect.
- The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). Free tutoring and writing help. See This semester for hours.
- Campus events. Check the OCTC events calendar (opens in a new tab), Blackboard announcements, and your college email.
- Student organizations. OCTC has clubs connected to programs, interests, and service. OCTC Activities & Organizations (opens in a new tab)
Next step
Try one thing this week
- Learn the name of one classmate in each class.
- Exchange contact information with one person.
- Visit one instructor’s office hours, with one question.
- Go to one campus or community event, alone or with a classmate.