My social situations flowchart

"I started in 2021, took some time away from school, and came back, so my college timeline's been a little nontraditional."

What to say If somebody asks why your college timeline is unusual-or if you want to disclose it

"That's cool, what made you choose that (major)?"

What to say when they tell you your major

"I'm a senior in Design, Innovation & Society—basically product design. I'm interested in getting into interior design, and I'm trying to get a lot better with the 3D side of design this year."

What to say when someone asks what your year and major are

"Hey, I'm heading over to the __ (Welcome Back BBQ) in a little bit. You guys wanna come?"

What to say to break the ice with roommates

“Do you like Troy compared with Boston, or is that not even a contest?”

What to say when they tell you where they’re from

“How’s your first week been? Anything completely different from what you expected?”

What to say to someone that says they’re a freshman

“Oh cool—is that one of the organizations helping run this?”

When they say they’re in a group on campus during an event

How to approach a group for conversation

Listen for 20–30 seconds. Figure out what they’re discussing. Then make one small contribution

“Hey, mind if I stand over here? I’m Preston.”

What to say if someone is standing alone

“Do you know what’s actually good here?”

What to say to someone if they’re in line for food next to you

“Wait, you’re in (Poly) too, right?”

What to say to someone that you recognize is from your dorm

“You play (Smash) at all? I actually run the (Smash) club—we meet Tuesdays & Fridays at 6 pm. You should come sometime.”

What to say if someone plays video games (especially fighting games)

“Oh, I’m in (301). If you see me around the dining hall, come say what’s up.”

What to say to someone at the function who lives in your dorm

“You have Discord/Instagram? I’ll add you.”

What to say to someone that you had a particularly good conversation with

3 people, 2 names, 1 five-minute conversation.

The minimum conversation goal for functions you’re starting to go to alone

don’t search for a clever new topic. Dig one level deeper into whatever they’re already saying.

What to do when the conversation starts working

create a future point of contact.

What to do if you meet someone you like