What do nerdy people do?

[Kopikatsu]

So...this is kind of awkward.

Spoiler: Skip this part if you don't want a preface/context

I'll just say that I'm a 20 year old guy who never had much of a childhood or any kind of meaningful social interaction due to reasons mostly outside of my control. Not having any real life friends to hang out with never really bothered me until a short while after high school ended, at which point it started to get a bit lonely being alone all the time. Especially since college students don't interact much...at least not like they did in primary school.

Anyway, I signed up on a few dating sites (More looking for friends than actual dates- honest) but that didn't pan out. I started to volunteer at the library near my house to try and meet people who might share an interest of mine (reading) but...it's mostly only really old people who visit the library, and there isn't much talking that takes place which makes it difficult to get to 'know' people. So, I started doing things like signing up for Chantango and tried to find people that lived within a few miles of me to talk to and maybe start a friendship, but the 37~ people who were near me apparently didn't use the service anymore since I stalked them like a creeper for a few weeks, without anyone signing on at all...

Aaaaanyway, I saw that there was a week where the library was holding a few events for teenagers and so I went there on Monday to check it out, but teenagers in this case ended up being a handful of kids aged 8-13... I'm 6'6", 20, and at the time I had a sizable beard. Basically I was the creepy old guy and I tried to kind of befriend a few of them, but I was mostly avoided...not that I can blame them, especially because my social skills are still pretty 'eh'. In any case, it just kind of got depressing after a while and I left. Which leads me to ask this question:

What do the 'geeks' of my age (20) do? I tried asking without the 'geek' modifier and just came up with 'party/club/whatever', but I'm really not into that sort of thing. At all. Especially because I'm deathly allergic to alcohol.

 

[Bagged Milk]

They do whatever it is that they want to do. "geeks" are people just like everyone else and, just like everyone else, they like to do stuff they are interested in. It seems like you're trying to figure out what you should do with your life and I say do what you want.

The only difference between "geeks" and "normal people" are their interests. Find something you like and do it.

Don't try to conform to certain expectations to be accepted. Most would consider me a "geek" but I don't go out of my way to be a "geek."

 

[Kopikatsu]

They do whatever it is that they want to do. "geeks" are people just like everyone else and, just like everyone else, they like to do stuff they are interested in. It seems like you're trying to figure out what you should do with your life and I say do what you want.

The only difference between "geeks" and "normal people" are their interests. Find something you like and do it.

Don't try to conform to certain expectations to be accepted. Most would consider me a "geek" but I don't go out of my way to be a "geek."

...???

I just want suggestions on places to go outside of parties/clubs/whatever that I can meet people with similar interests (video games primarily) near my age group because all of my attempts have failed rather miserably.

 

[Blunderboy]

They do whatever it is that they want to do. "geeks" are people just like everyone else and, just like everyone else, they like to do stuff they are interested in. It seems like you're trying to figure out what you should do with your life and I say do what you want.

The only difference between "geeks" and "normal people" are their interests. Find something you like and do it.

Don't try to conform to certain expectations to be accepted. Most would consider me a "geek" but I don't go out of my way to be a "geek."

...???

I just want suggestions on places to go outside of parties/clubs/whatever that I can meet people with similar interests (video games primarily) near my age group because all of my attempts have failed rather miserably.

Then make that clearer in the OP.

OT - Well aside from LAN centres (do they still exsist or are they outdated?) the only other option is conventions.
Or there's always them there internets.

 

[Roggen Bread]

I dont know. Sports?

Maybe something unusual, "geeky"?

Archery? Swordfighting?

 

[Thistlehart]

What are you interested in? Go do that with enthusiasm and enjoy the hell out of it.

Ta-da! You are now a geek!

 

[Esotera]

I run a lot, watch netflix, and focus on my education and career. A true nerd never has time for more than four friends.

If you want to meet people though, joining a society or club of some sort is a good idea. If you want to meet fellow nerds, a computer club of some sort is a good start.

 

[Quadocky]

Actually, I think it is a bit of a larger problem than that. I cannot even think of places were I would meet people my age just to hang out (20-28ish). There is no real community center for college aged folk besides... College. (though it depends on the area obviously).

Could probably join a Church or something. But even that seems a might unfair if you would rather not worship God. (not saying you have to either, in some Churches, the very act of being a decent human being is essentially the exact same thing as worshiping God)

But this is my input. Out of the college, there was no way for me to even talk to others within my age group in person. Or at least places that which fostered such besides the College.

Though of course, this was just in my neck of the woods, I am sure its not always the same everywhere.

Also, it is true that becoming a more dynamic person is basically the main way to meet new people who may share more than one interest. Like playing music for example. That is a great group activity.

 

[Twyce]

Do you have time or are able to pick up a part time job at a game store? That's how I met a ton of my 'geek' friends.

Also, what about trying a site like meetup? You can search for similiar interests and see if a group is setup in your area. I've found tons of awesome and niche groups on there (urban exploration, gaming, etc).

Just a thought.

 

[Cowabungaa]

I dont know. Sports?

Maybe something unusual, "geeky"?

Archery?

That's what I did. One of the most awesome things I did so far. Archery does attract a more alternative crowd, at least over here, so at my club there's a good bunch of folks I might become friends with.

Other than that I joined a boardgame club to play D&D and go to conventions. Especially the latter is absolutely amazing for meeting new people.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

Especially since college students don't interact much... at least not like they did in primary school.

What?

Seriously, what?

I met more people and made more friends in my first year of college - of living in a dorm, joining clubs, etc - than I have ever made in such a short span anywhere else in my entire life. Including primary school. The only time that even came close was my first years of Grad school.

What do 20 year old nerds do? They join college clubs. Anime club. Gaming club. Photography club. Science club. Fencing club. That club where you dress up like people from the 1500s and hit eachohter with foam swords.

You're hanging out at a Public Library? Um, try your campus Library. No kids there.

Do you live in a dorm? Does that dorm have a lounge with a TV? Take a video game console there, plug it in, and start playing. People will occasionally peer around behind you and ask what you're doing. Tell them. Invite them to watch or, if it is appropriate, to play.

You like a particular video game? A particular sci-fi show? Get a T-Shirt. If anyone says "hey, awesome Doctor Who shirt" (or whatever) then you introduce yourself and ask what they thought of the latest episode (or, again, whatever).

Seriously, college is the easiest place in the world to meet fellow nerds, geeks, and otaku.

 

[Nerdstar]

the path of a geek is a many tiered road sometimes its lonely sometimes you meet fellow travelers while on this road. one of my favorite things to do is go into a comic book store and just listen into certain conversations and jump in , iv had many awesome debates and made a good bit of friends that way.

if your asking for social advice then pick something that interests you (again ill use comicbooks as an example) and go to things like comic conventions,sales,etc,etc and do what YOU want(ie,read comics,etc,etc) and engage with the people there that have similar interest to you.

that's the best advice i can give you right now.

 

[Kopikatsu]

Especially since college students don't interact much... at least not like they did in primary school.

What?

Seriously, what?

I met more people and made more friends in my first year of college - of living in a dorm, joining clubs, etc - than I have ever made in such a short span anywhere else in my entire life. Including primary school. The only time that even came close was my first years of Grad school.

What do 20 year old nerds do? They join college clubs. Anime club. Gaming club. Photography club. Science club. Fencing club. That club where you dress up like people from the 1500s and hit eachohter with foam swords.

You're hanging out at a Public Library? Um, try your campus Library. No kids there.

Do you live in a dorm? Does that dorm have a lounge with a TV? Take a video game console there, plug it in, and start playing. People will occasionally peer around behind you and ask what you're doing. Tell them. Invite them to watch or, if it is appropriate, to play.

You like a particular video game? A particular sci-fi show? Get a T-Shirt. If anyone says "hey, awesome Doctor Who shirt" (or whatever) then you introduce yourself and ask what they thought of the latest episode (or, again, whatever).

Seriously, college is the easiest place in the world to meet fellow nerds, geeks, and otaku.

My college has no clubs, no dorms, and no library.

But it's one of the top five colleges in the country for Law Enforcement, so...

Edit: It's Indian River State, if anyone is wondering.

 

[Legion]

I can't really say seeing as most of the people I know do fuck all except work and watch tv or play games. I seemed to find a group of friends in school/college who have no real interest in doing anything.

I have to congratulate you on putting more effort into it than I have though.

Especially since college students don't interact much... at least not like they did in primary school.

What?

Seriously, what?

I met more people and made more friends in my first year of college - of living in a dorm, joining clubs, etc - than I have ever made in such a short span anywhere else in my entire life. Including primary school. The only time that even came close was my first years of Grad school.

What do 20 year old nerds do? They join college clubs. Anime club. Gaming club. Photography club. Science club. Fencing club. That club where you dress up like people from the 1500s and hit eachohter with foam swords.

You're hanging out at a Public Library? Um, try your campus Library. No kids there.

Do you live in a dorm? Does that dorm have a lounge with a TV? Take a video game console there, plug it in, and start playing. People will occasionally peer around behind you and ask what you're doing. Tell them. Invite them to watch or, if it is appropriate, to play.

You like a particular video game? A particular sci-fi show? Get a T-Shirt. If anyone says "hey, awesome Doctor Who shirt" (or whatever) then you introduce yourself and ask what they thought of the latest episode (or, again, whatever).

Seriously, college is the easiest place in the world to meet fellow nerds, geeks, and otaku.

I really do envy Americans in terms of college. It sounds so much more enjoyable than college in England which is pretty much just more school but separated from younger people. No clubs, no dorms, it is basically school for older people with the exception of fewer subjects taken, just at a higher level.

 

[surg3n]

Maybe start following a local band that you like - local bands tend to have a group of followers who all know each other, but the main thing is that they are more inclined to accept new friends.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

My college has no clubs, no dorms, and no library.

But it's one of the top five colleges in the country for Law Enforcement, so...

Edit: It's Indian River State, if anyone is wondering.

**blink**

No library? At all? How do you do research papers?

Also - have you checked for unofficial clubs? Even if the campus doesn't officially support clubs, it doesn't stop people of similar interests from forming groups and advertising them.

And finally, if that doesn't work, are there any other colleges in your area? Check to see if THEY have any of the above clubs. When I went to grad school, I couldn't find my university's gaming club, but I found the gaming club of another nearby university, so I went there instead. I met several of my current friends that way. I met more through those friends.

 

[Fasckira]

Ever tried tabletop pen and paper roleplaying? I can assure you there is bound to be a group near you, and that can be a great alcohol free evening and you'll meet new people.

Failing that.... pick a random activity that you've never tried before but you think you could possibly do. I did that with hockey and its now a huge part of my life and Ive made a lot of friends and a few really close ones as a result.

 

[TIMESWORDSMAN]

I'm a bit younger than you, but circumstances have basically put me in the same boat, and I've done some research on the subject.

From what I can tell, the average twenty-something nerd has a fairly limited social bubble. In general, they do most of their socializing online through forums and game communities, but if they live in a city with a large enough concentration of nerds then they may congregate in small numbers to play DnD or other social table games.