Imagine walking into a room full of people who all know and like each other and trying to make new friends. Pretty scary huh?

That's what guest housemate Gae had to do last week with the UK gang, and Cameron had to do the very same thing over in South Africa.

This week, Agony Uncle Matt offers his advice to a viewer who's worried about making his entrance into a new environment.

Dear Matt - Nerves over new people...

I'm dreading my first term at university.

My greatest fear is that I won't make any friends because I'm shy. Stop me from hiding away in my room, Matt!

Jonny

Matt's reply:

Easy, fella! Starting out in any new environment is always daunting, but with the right attitude, and a little effort, you can only make the right impression.

Just look at how Gae handled his few days in the House. The remaining housemates had already bonded, but that didn't stop him from quickly finding his place on the sofa.

Unlike the plain-speaking Ugandan, there's no need to announce you're busting for a "serious ass dump" to make your presence known. That kind of talk may have flagged up Gae's self-confidence, but there are less traumatic ways to win friends and disarm them straight away.

In your situation, the key is not to think you have to be best mates with everyone immediately. Instead, focus on one or two individuals who share your interests, and build from there. Gae picked off Gos because they both have a passion for reggae, which he used as a springboard for conversation involving the rest of the House.

It's precisely this technique that will help to overcome your shyness, and see you through those critical first days of term. Sure, it takes some courage to introduce yourself to a stranger, but everyone will be in the same boat. So long as you resist the temptation to update them on your bowel movements, that awkward first moment will soon be forgotten.

What's more, you have family and friends back home you can phone for support. You're not deserting them, after all, but broadening your horizons.

If you have a problem or question for Matt, email us and you could be next week's star letter.

Sorry, but Matt is unable to answer your questions personally.