The Art Of Becoming A University Popular Student

University is a challenging and exciting time for students, and many want to become popular during their time there. Being popular is not just about being well-known on campus, but also about earning respect and leaving a positive impression on others. To become popular, students should focus on making genuine connections and cultivating certain traits that others admire, such as excellent people skills, confidence, and authenticity. Joining clubs, sports teams, or other extracurricular activities is a great way to meet like-minded people and grow your social circle. Additionally, participating in class and taking advantage of educator resources can also contribute to a student's popularity. Setting goals, adopting healthy study techniques, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are also important aspects of becoming a well-rounded and popular student.

Join clubs and societies

Joining clubs and societies is a great way to become popular at university. It provides an opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions. It is a fantastic way to develop your social circle and establish meaningful relationships.

When selecting a club or society, consider your hobbies and passions. Are you an avid sports enthusiast? Join the football or basketball club. Do you have a penchant for the creative arts? Sign up for the drama society or the art club. Perhaps you're passionate about politics or social issues; in that case, consider joining the student council or relevant advocacy groups. By aligning your extracurricular activities with your interests, you'll not only enjoy your time but also increase your chances of becoming a prominent figure within these organizations.

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore new interests as well. University is a time for self-discovery, and you might find hidden talents or passions that surprise you. Join a club that's a little different or unique to stand out and be remembered. For example, if you've always wanted to learn how to sail, join the sailing club and embrace the adventure of trying something new.

Once you've joined a club or society, actively participate in its events and activities. Be present and engaged by showing up to meetings and social gatherings. Volunteer your time and talents by offering to help with tasks or taking on leadership roles. By actively contributing, you'll become an invaluable member of the group, and your dedication will be recognized and appreciated. Organizing social events or collaborative projects is also a great way to bring people together and foster a sense of community.

Remember, becoming popular is about more than just joining a club; it's about actively engaging and making a positive impact. Your enthusiasm and commitment will leave a lasting impression on your peers and help you build a strong and positive reputation within the university community.

Be confident

Confidence is a key trait of popular people. It can be challenging to feel confident at university, especially when you're surrounded by hundreds of students in lectures or when it seems like everyone else knows what they're doing. However, there are several ways to boost your confidence and make a positive impression on those around you.

Firstly, recognise that confidence is a skill that can be learned and increased over time. Like any other skill, it takes practice. Remind yourself that you are capable and accomplished, and that you were admitted to the university for a reason. Turn off the negative voice in your head that tells you otherwise. It can be helpful to set achievable goals and remind yourself of your past successes to boost your self-esteem.

Another way to build confidence is to get involved in extracurricular activities and join clubs or organisations. This will help you meet like-minded people and form genuine connections. You can also try out new hobbies or sports to find a group of friends who share your passions. By initiating conversations and hangouts, you'll find that most people are too nervous to make the first move, so you'll be appreciated for taking the lead.

Don't be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes. Instead, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. It can be helpful to keep a notebook or folder of your accomplishments and positive feedback to look back on and celebrate your achievements. This will reinforce a positive feedback loop and boost your confidence.

Finally, if you know you have an upcoming challenge, such as a test or presentation, give yourself a pep talk beforehand. Remind yourself of your knowledge and abilities, sit up straight, and breathe deeply. This will help you feel empowered and ready to take on the task at hand.

Make the first move

Making the first move is a crucial step in becoming popular at university. It takes courage and boldness to initiate new connections, but it is a rewarding step towards building a solid social foundation. Here are some tips to guide you in making the first move:

Initiate Conversations

Take the initiative to start conversations with your peers. Be friendly, kind, and open-minded. Lead with a compliment or a shared interest. For example, if you notice someone wearing a sports jersey of your favourite team, use that as an icebreaker to spark a discussion. Most people yearn to be accepted and included, so don't be afraid to reach out and make the first move.

Join Clubs and Organisations

University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organisations. Joining these groups is an excellent way to meet people with similar interests. It provides an opportunity to develop deeper connections and find a group of like-minded friends. It is much easier to initiate conversations and friendships when you share a common interest or activity.

Attend Social Gatherings

Parties and social events are excellent opportunities to meet new people and expand your social circle. While it is important to focus on genuine connections, don't be afraid to attend social gatherings, even if you don't know many people. These events can be great places to initiate conversations and make new friends. However, remember that genuine connections are often formed in smaller, more intimate settings, such as study groups or club meetings.

Be Confident and Authentic

Confidence is key when making the first move. Believe in yourself and stay true to your values. People are drawn to those who are comfortable in their own skin and can present themselves well. However, it's important to be authentically yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not just to impress others. Embrace your uniqueness and let your true self shine through. This will attract the right kind of people who align with your values and interests.

Take Social Risks

Becoming popular may require stepping out of your comfort zone and taking some social risks. This could mean introducing yourself to someone new, attending events where you don't know many people, or sharing your thoughts and opinions boldly. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, taking these risks will increase your chances of getting noticed and making meaningful connections.

Be kind and authentic

Being kind and authentic is a great way to become a popular student at university. Firstly, it is important to recognise that authenticity is relational. We exude our authenticity, and it is witnessed by others. Therefore, authenticity should be combined with emotional intelligence and respect, and we should be accepting of the authenticity of others. This does not mean that we should shape our authenticity to be universally liked, but we should be mindful that our authenticity is not intended to hurt or disrespect someone.

Kindness is a key trait of popular people, and a study by Simon Fraser graduate student Tiara A. Cash found that students who engaged in prosocial acts towards others experienced higher well-being. These acts included holding doors open, complimenting others, applauding fellow students for their input in class, and making conversation with people. Such acts of kindness can help students transition to university life, making them feel happier and less anxious and lonely.

To be kind and authentic, it is important to be confident in yourself and your actions. Confidence in your talk and presentation skills will help you to present yourself well to others. However, it is also important to be modest and down-to-earth, as respect is something that is earned rather than demanded.

To become a popular student, it is also beneficial to join clubs and organisations, as well as attend parties, to meet new people and make new acquaintances. However, it is important to nourish existing friendships and focus on forming genuine connections, rather than seeking a large circle of social ties.

Ask questions in class

Asking questions in class is an important part of the learning process. It helps students engage with the material and encourages active learning. However, students often feel discouraged from asking questions, and teachers often do little to invite questions from their students. This is unfortunate, as asking questions is a sign of curiosity and engagement, and can help students master core concepts and develop their critical thinking skills.

So, how can you create an environment where students feel comfortable and encouraged to ask questions? Firstly, it is important to show students that you appreciate and respect their questions. This can be done through verbal affirmations, such as saying "Interesting point!" or "I'm glad you asked that!". It is also important to praise students equally for asking questions, as feeling shut down or dismissed may discourage students from asking questions in the future.

Another way to encourage students to ask questions is to teach them how to formulate good questions. This can be done by explaining the difference between open-ended and closed questions. Open-ended questions are those that require more than a one-word answer and encourage critical thinking, while closed questions generally have one correct answer. By understanding the difference, students can learn to ask meaningful and clear questions.

Additionally, it is helpful to give students time to think about their responses and formulate their own questions. This can be done by pausing for a few seconds after asking a question or by assigning homework that requires students to create their own open-ended and closed questions about a specific topic. This practice will help students develop their critical thinking skills and feel more comfortable asking questions in class.

Finally, it is important to plan your questions in advance and ask them throughout the class. This ensures that you include this valuable pedagogical strategy in your teaching and that the questions are well-thought-out and aligned with your course goals. Asking questions strategically can also help to further the discussion and involve more students. For example, if a student answers correctly, you can ask another student to build on that answer or provide a different perspective.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a classroom environment that fosters curiosity, engagement, and interactive learning, ultimately helping your students to become more popular and confident in their academic pursuits.

Frequently asked questions