There is so much more to University than assignments and presentations; it is an experience like no other; a chance to make life-long friends, find your clique, and discover yourself.

Finding people with common interests is already challenging but do not let virtual lectures discourage you from getting to know others! Considering you have already started reading this, it means you are curious, maybe even a little nervous, about how to connect with others through a virtual setting.

This is why we are here writing this article, providing you with tips and tricks to make the most out of your University experience!

Now, enough with the chit-chat, let’s get on with it!

Join a student organisation

I mean, of course, I am going to recommend to join a student organisation. It is only natural for me to put this as a top priority when it comes to making friends.

There are various active student organisations that you can join and be part of, either on their executive team or sub-committee team. In case you are not familiar with the organisations, I suggest you click here for the full list!

Not only will you be gaining experience for your future career and getting a taste of how an organisation works, but you will also be getting to know different individuals from different backgrounds.

Speaking from experience, a student organisation did not only help me with my current course and future career, but I also got to meet a very lovely bunch!

Don’t be afraid of group projects!

Everyone’s worst nightmare; group projects. But I swear, they are not as bad as you may think. Sure it is scary, getting grouped up with someone you may not know but that is how friendships blossom. Every friend you made up to this point, were all complete strangers until one of you initiated a conversation.

A group project does not only teach you how to work within a team but you get to know other individuals within the same course as you. Since they are already in your course, you already have one interest in common – see, that was easy!

Some group projects will be virtual and that is totally fine! They can still be fun and they can still work. ‘Group projects’ doesn’t mean constantly talking and working on your assignment. Set up virtual meetings and make sure to break the ice between you all, a simple “How was your day?” or “Everyone good with their assignments?” works wonders.

Attend virtual events

Since physical events aren’t technically an option at this point, virtual will have to do. This does not make them any less interesting!

Student organisations are constantly working their butts off to host events for everyone to enjoy in this difficult time. Various virtual events are posted on Facebook so make sure to keep an eye out (we also post monthly articles filled with events happening that month!)

Considering they are open to everyone, those attending will probably have the same interests as you so make sure to participate.

Make the most of practicals (or physical lectures)

Even though the majority of the lectures are being held online, some courses are still offering a few physical lectures here and there. Take this as an opportunity to make friends! Due to COVID-19 regulations, groups tend to be smaller than usual as well so this makes it even easier for you to make new friends and integrate with everyone.

Host virtual course meetups

Usually, at the beginning of the first semester, a group chat or a Facebook group is created in order to do what we know best – complain! Complaining about your assignments, lectures, and lecturers, exams and the list goes on. You would be surprised how easily people bond by complaining.

Aside from complaining, you should also try creating a friendly environment within your course group by hosting events between you. Get to know who your student rep is and work together to come up with virtual meetups. Play apps together such as Houseparty or Cards Against Humanity or maybe host a Netflix party.

Obviously, everyone makes friends in their own way, and in their own time, these are simply just a stepping stone for anyone of you who may feel lost at such a strange period. That being said, welcome to Uni, and make sure to make the most out of it!

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The post Guide to Making Friends at Virtual Uni appeared first on The Third Eye.

With no context that phrase might leave you slightly baffled. The phrase is really and truly a meme in the anime community, where fans will say that 2D girls are far superior to 3D girls. It’s a funny meme that coincides with people choosing a waifu or husbando (fictional wives/husbands) over cultivating an actual real-life relationship. It’s a funny joke but with time it is growing increasingly concernning.

Some fans are so passionate about their waifu that they even celebrate the character’s birthday. This can span from simply changing their profile picture to sometimes holding a full-on celebration. However, this isn’t the furthest fans go. With certain people even getting married to their fictional lovers.

In fact, in japan there is a company called Gatebox with its slogan being “Living with Characters”. The concept of this device is that it’s basically a virtual wife which wakes you up in the morning, sends you messages throughout the day (which can sometimes verge on flirtatious), welcomes you home by switching on the lights before you arrive. Some customers have formed such a bond with their virtual wife that Gatebox has issued more than 3,700 certificates for “cross-dimension” marriages. To this date Gatebox is only available in Japanese meaning that it hasn’t really expanded, and we won’t really know if it would have the same impact in the west.

They know that they won’t be abandoned because their waifu/husbando will be loyal to them till the end.

Even with the lack of Gatebox, people outside of Japan still form relationships with their favourite anime characters. People, sometimes, end up choosing to have these sorts of relationships because of experiences that left them traumatized. So the fact that there isn’t any real risk of being rejected and/or hurt by their waifu/husbando creates a sense of comfort for them.

Some eventually realise that they need a proper emotional connection with a real-life person but others either can’t get move pass their trauma or might simply prefer a relationship without all the hassles that come with dating a human being.

The post The ‘Waifu’ Epidemic | when it stops being a joke appeared first on The Third Eye.