Starting college is exciting, but meeting new people can feel difficult at first. This lesson helps you experience a natural conversation about making friends on campus and learn common expressions that people actually use in everyday college life.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait for others to start the conversation. A simple smile, a friendly greeting, or asking an easy question is often enough to begin a new friendship.
Useful Expressions
- Hi, is this seat taken?
- Mind if I sit here?
- Nice to meet you.
- What’s your name?
- Which course are you taking?
- Are you a first-year student?
- Where are you from?
- Want to join us?
- We should hang out sometime.
- Let’s grab a coffee.
- That sounds fun.
- I’m new here.
- Do you have any plans after class?
- See you around.
- Here’s my number.
Questions & Answers
1. How do you introduce yourself?
Answer: Hi, I’m Alex. Nice to meet you.
2. How do you ask someone’s name?
Answer: What’s your name?
3. How do you ask about their course?
Answer: Which course are you studying?
4. How do you invite someone to join you?
Answer: Would you like to join us?
5. How do you ask where someone is from?
Answer: Where are you from?
6. How do you continue a conversation?
Answer: What do you think about the college so far?
7. How do you suggest meeting later?
Answer: Let’s grab a coffee after class.
8. How do you accept an invitation?
Answer: Sure, I’d love to.
9. How do you politely refuse?
Answer: Sorry, I already have plans.
10. How do you end the conversation?
Answer: It was nice talking to you. See you around!
Conversation
Emma: Hi, is this seat taken?
Ryan: No, go ahead.
Emma: Thanks! I’m Emma.
Ryan: Nice to meet you. I’m Ryan.
Emma: Are you a first-year student?
Ryan: Yes, I am. What about you?
Emma: Same here. Which course are you taking?
Ryan: Computer Science. And you?
Emma: Business Management.
Ryan: That’s great. Maybe we’ll see each other around campus.
Emma: Definitely. Nice talking to you.
Ryan: See you around!
Real-Life Conversation
Sarah: Excuse me, is anyone sitting here?
Daniel: No, it’s free.
Sarah: Thanks! I’m Sarah.
Daniel: Hi, Sarah. I’m Daniel.
Sarah: Nice to meet you.
Daniel: Nice to meet you too.
Sarah: Are you new to the college?
Daniel: Yes, today is actually my first day.
Sarah: Mine too! I was a little nervous this morning.
Daniel: Me too. Everything is so new.
Sarah: Which course are you studying?
Daniel: Mechanical Engineering. How about you?
Sarah: English Literature.
Daniel: That’s interesting.
Sarah: Where are you from?
Daniel: I’m from Jaipur. And you?
Sarah: I’m from Delhi.
Daniel: Have you explored the campus yet?
Sarah: Not really. I got lost once already!
Daniel: (Laughs) Me too.
Sarah: Some students are going to the cafeteria after class. Want to join us?
Daniel: Sure, that sounds great.
Sarah: Awesome! It’ll be a good chance to meet more people.
Daniel: I agree. Thanks for inviting me.
Sarah: No problem. Friends make college life much easier.
Daniel: Absolutely. I’m looking forward to it.
Quick Practice
A. Change the words
Example:
Hi, I’m Emma. → Hi, I’m David.
- I’m from Mumbai. → I’m from __________.
- I’m studying Business. → I’m studying __________.
- Let’s grab a coffee. → Let’s grab a __________.
- Nice to meet you. → Nice to meet you, __________.
- I’m a first-year student. → I’m a __________ student.
B. Answer the Questions
- What’s your name?
- Which course are you studying?
- Where are you from?
- Are you a first-year student?
- Would you like to join a college club? Why?
C. Complete the Sentences
- Hi, my name is __________.
- Nice to __________ you.
- I’m studying __________.
- Let’s __________ after class.
- See you __________.
Speaking Challenge
Imagine it’s your first day at college.
Speak for 1–2 minutes without reading.
Include these points:
- Introduce yourself.
- Say where you’re from.
- Mention your course.
- Ask someone their name.
- Invite them for coffee or lunch after class.
- End the conversation politely.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| What is your good name? | What’s your name? |
| I am studying in Computer Science. | I am studying Computer Science. |
| Myself Rahul. | I’m Rahul. |
| We can do friendship. | We can be friends. |
| Nice to meet with you. | Nice to meet you. |
Lesson Summary
Key Expressions
- Hi, is this seat taken?
- Mind if I sit here?
- Nice to meet you.
- What’s your name?
- Which course are you taking?
- Are you a first-year student?
- Where are you from?
- Want to join us?
- Let’s grab a coffee.
- We should hang out sometime.
- That sounds great.
- See you around.
- Here’s my number.
- It was nice talking to you.
- Looking forward to seeing you again.
