Join admitted student groups

Overview

Join admitted student and current student social media groups to build connections before move-in. This reduces loneliness and creates networks.

Where to Connect

Instagram

• @[school]Class2030 accounts
• #[SchoolName]2030 hashtags
• Major-specific accounts

Facebook

• Admitted students groups
• Class-specific groups
• Student organization groups

Discord

• Many colleges have Discord servers
• Class-specific channels
• Organization channels
• Real-time chat

Reddit

• r/[CollegeName] for current students
• Admitted student posts
• Q&A discussions

TikTok

• Campus-specific accounts
• Student day-in-the-life videos
• Admission-related content

What to Look For

Student Organizations

• Your interests (clubs, teams, causes)
• Your identity (cultural, religious)
• Your major (professional, academic)

Your Interests

• Sports
• Arts
• Service
• Politics
• Spirituality

Residence Hall Groups

• Your specific dorm
• Floor-specific events
• Connect with future neighbors

Major-Specific Groups

• Your intended major
• Pre-med, pre-law, etc.
• Research opportunities

Identity-Based Groups

• LGBTQ+ organizations
• Cultural clubs
• Religious organizations
• First-generation students

Introducing Yourself

Template

Hi! I'm [name], joining Class of 2030 and majoring in [major]. I'm from [state/city]. Looking forward to meeting everyone! If anyone wants to connect or share tips, I'm all ears.

Keep It Casual

• Don't oversell yourself
• Don't brag about acceptances
• Don't ask weird questions
• Don't ask who has what GPA

What Not to Do

• Brag about SAT scores
• Ask for others' scores
• Post identifiable personal info (address, exact birthday)
• Join too many groups too fast
• Send random connection requests

Who to Connect With

Classmates

• Similar majors
• Similar interests
• Similar backgrounds

Current Students

• Ask for advice
• Attend their events virtually
• Learn the ropes

Alumni

• If connected to family
• If in your desired career
• Don't ask for job applications yet

Engaging Appropriately

Helpful Posts

• "I'm looking for a roommate in [dorm]"
• "Anyone interested in [major]? Want to connect?"
• "What clubs do people recommend?"

Not Helpful Posts

• Complaining about tuition
• Bragging about acceptances to other schools
• Sharing personal drama
• Political rants

Personal Safety

Keep Private

• Home address
• Phone number (unless messaging)
• Full identifying info
• Financial details

Careful With Meet-Ups

• Meet in public first
• Let someone know
• Trust your instincts
• Don't share too much

Know the Red Flags

• Pushy for personal info
• Inconsistent stories
• Asking for money
• Uncomfortable requests

Building Relationships

Show Interest in Others

• Respond to others' posts
• Ask follow-up questions
• Remember details
• Offer help

Reciprocity

• Offer advice if you know something
• Share useful resources
• Help find answers to questions
• Be a good community member

Patience

• Real friendships take time
• Don't force connections
• Show up consistently
• Let trust develop

Using These Groups Well

Resource

• Ask questions (respectfully)
• Share what you learn
• Find roommates
• Find study groups

Network

• Career paths of interest
• Internship opportunities
• Study abroad info
• Research opportunities

Emotional Support

• Not alone in anxiety
• Common experiences
• Problem-solving together
• Community validation

In-Person Transition

From Online to In-Person

• Meet planned people at orientation
• Follow up with positive connections
• Include new in-person friends
• Balance online and offline

Roommate/Dorm Mates

• Initial meetings
• Establishing relationship
• Follow up online post-meeting

Professional Connections

• Alumni contacted online
• Career services meetings
• Mentorship arrangements

Mental Health

• Online connections are helpful
• Real relationships matter more
• Don't replace in-person connection
• Use as bridge to in-person

Avoiding Overwhelm

• Limit number of groups
• Set time limits
• Take breaks
• Focus on quality over quantity

For Quiet/Introverted Students

• Observe before engaging
• Comment on posts
• DM people who seem compatible
• It's okay to lurk

For Extroverted Students

• Don't dominate threads
• Ask questions, don't just talk
• Listen to others
• Invite quieter voices

Post-Graduation

• Groups often continue
• Alumni networks
• Class reunions
• Long-term connections