Name, hometown, major, and dorm. By the second day of orientation week, most first-years have been conditioned to recite these facts on command. 

As someone from outside of the US, I found the repeating conversation awfully dull: “I’m from Korea.” “Oh wow, that’s so cool.” “Yeah, haha.” 

So it’s time to move beyond the NPC banter. Instead, try out these dialogue options for that initial spark. 

First-year programs 

WashU offers a variety of first-year opportunities, such as Ampersand Programs and First-Year Seminars. Chances are, someone around you is taking that same course. Ask what Ampersand they are in or what seminar they chose. Beyond sparking a conversation, it’s a great way to learn about classes and programs that spark your interest. 

Find someone with the same small or difficult class 

During O-week, I spent an unreasonable amount of time asking whether anyone was taking Calculus III with a specific professor. As silly as it is, my search for a comrade was how I found my study group and familiar faces to sit next to in lecture. 

Hobbies 

Everyone says to ask about hobbies, but I advise you to talk about widely known hobbies that might even have a fanbase. 

Entering WashU, I was a Formula 1 fan. Asking someone, “Are you a F1 fan?” created an instant bond with other followers. It’s smooth sailing from there as you rant about rivalries or laugh over memes. Also, F1 is popular enough that people outside the community can still chime in, helping to prevent dreaded awkward silences. 

Ridiculous questions 

Sometimes, the best way to avoid boring conversation is to exercise your free will. 

Some favorites: 

• What’s your favorite bridge? (Shout out to my friend Brooke Morgan for this one.) 
• How many pillows is the perfect number for a bed? 

Of course, a would-you-rather is a must. 

• Would you rather be a bunny with carrot thoughts or a carrot with bunny thoughts? 
• Would you rather have fish for hands or have to adopt a child every time you heard “Bohemian Rhapsody”? (Former StudLife Editor Zach Trabitz posed this to the 2026 WashU commencement speaker Andy Cohen.) 
• Who is smarter: the inventor of bread or the discoverer of gravity? 

Collect phone numbers, follow Instagram accounts, and say hello to people even when it feels awkward. 

For international students: Take advantage of the extra orientation days. Some of my closest friends today are people I met during that time, and it helps to have a friend or two also missing the same food from back home.

And to everyone: Spend time in the common room and show up to campus events. The proximity effect works, and you will find yourself forming bonds with the people on your floor. Even if you only stay close to a handful, WashU becomes a brighter campus when it’s filled with familiar faces.