Describe how local meetups like underwater hockey and comedy nights act as microcosms of group dynamics: how newcomers navigate norms, build trust, and find belonging. Include a concrete scene from a beginner’s point of view at the UWH pick-up and a moment at a comedy-night meetup to contrast structure vs. spontaneity. Pull in one psychological concept (e.g., social identity or norms) and show how it shapes behavior in each setting. Offer 2 practical tips for readers to ease into new groups, based on what you observe. End with a question that invites readers to reflect on their own breakthrough moment in a local meetup.