How should I handle this situation.

LegacyUser

I'm a 1st Year in college and I've my 2nd meet up for a club that I joined tomorrow evening. The first session was alright but not great. I have anxiety and I have a really hard time talking to people. How should I go about talking to new people tomorrow? I know this might sound like a ridiculous question but I am seriously on the verge of just quitting the club as I can't handle the situation. What should I say to people?

I feel ridiculous for even asking something like this but I really want to change how my life is panning out.

This is kind of a side question but does anyone know if you use a college's counselling service will it be put on your student record/transcript?

Thanks in advance!

bp

I don't think counselling is - mine wasn't.

Maybe start with:

Name firstly.
Where are you from what course are you doing
Something about the club

Look for either someone alone or a big group who seem to be introducing themselves to each other - a group means you have less to say while getting comfortable with them

Good luck and don't be disheartened you took the first step in joining already

Rubberchikken

the first couple of sessions will never be great. people are nervous, though some hide it better than others, so don't let it stop you going back.

say hi, ask someone what course they're doing, it'll be fine. you all have at least one thing in common so that helps.

relax and enjoy.

whiskeyman

Try your best.
You're at a club meeting, so straight away you all have a common interest.
Ask name, where they're from, why they like the sport / interest etc... You may get talking about the most random things!
Most people enjoy others company, especially since they've come to join a club.
Keep positive and don't back away from attenting - you will need to push yourself to get better at this and it'll come more natural to you.
I was the same in college and pushed myself to be more people friendly. I'm a totally changed person now, and much better for it.
Best of luck and enjoy yourself!

sadie06

Name, where are you from?

Course? What do you think so far?

Are you commuting, or staying on campus?

Are there many from your school here?

Did you join any other societies?

Try to remember that it's not up to you to fill every silent moment! Silences are natural, and the other person can pick up the conversation. Don't pressure yourself.

Strawberry Swan

Societies are a great way to meet people because a lot of people are there to not only enjoy the hobby but to meet new people too. So whatever anxiety you do feel, you can manage it and it will lessen over time. I'm speaking from experience.

Take it in steps. Go to the first class and don't force yourself to chat to anyone. If it happens naturally great. Pat yourself on the back for just attending. At the following one, force yourself to make conversation with one person you would like to talk to. Keep pushing your comfort zones but keep congratulating yourself for the effort you make, no matter the result. You are worth the effort and others will think so too.

Stavro Mueller

Just to add - going along to a club can be a bit daunting at the start. It can take a few meetings before people start to remember you. Persevere though - as time goes on it will get better.

What I've found often works is to get the other person talking about themselves. Ask a few questions and steer the conversation in their direction usually works. You could start off by asking their name, maybe where they're from, what course they're doing. Ask them questions (but don't cross the line into being nosey) and most people will gladly chatter away.