My first year at Farmingdale I lived on campus because I played on the soccer team and it would’ve been way too hard to commute with the demanding soccer schedule. Being a part of the soccer team, meant we came to campus two weeks earlier than students who didn’t play a fall sport. Spending so much time together resulted in immediate friends, which was a huge fear factor for me before i came to Farmingdale. Now, as a commuter, I am able to experience life through a commuters eyes. Because I studied abroad this past fall in London, I wasn’t able to play soccer and have chosen to commute to school this semester and partake in an internship.
Now that I commute here are a few tips that I believe will help get you involved around campus.
1. Join a club or school program! This has not only gotten me incredible friends but has also gotten me into a leadership experience at Farmingdale. Joining Rambassadors has gotten me the chance to meet the President of our school, and be an influence to future and prospective students.
2. Join a rec league! Even if you don’t play a sport, that’s what these types of leagues are for! Lots of students who are just looking to have a fun afternoon join the rec leagues to get some physical activity in (or you can just go and watch!) and hangout with fellow classmates. It’s a great time to meet new people in a non-academic environment. That’s how I met many people, joining a soccer rec league!
3. Attend school funded events! The school provides some awesome events that are mostly FREE for students! Why wouldn’t you take advantage of them? It’s a great place to meet both commuters and residents at school. It’ll also give you insight about what the school offers and what events are upcoming
4. Make the effort to meet up outside of school! As a commuter, it’s so easy to attend class then go right home. If you make that tiny effort to meet with a classmate outside of school, then you could gain a possible lifetime friend! It’s worth it, even if it means you get home an hour later.
There are loads of opportunities around campus to meet new friends and get involved!