Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Summer Preview
  • Prime Day deals
  • New Games 2026
  • Best gaming tech
  • GTA 6
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games
  2. Simulation
  3. The Sims
  4. The Sims 3 University Life

The Sims 3: University Life social influence guide

Guides
By Sarah LeBoeuf published 18 March 2013

How to gain social influence...

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

NERDS

Comic books, video games, superior intellect… being a nerd in The Sims is a lot like being a nerd in real life. Here’s how to max out your nerd social level and what you’ll get.

ACTIVITIES

  • Ask other Nerds about their degrees.
  • Share gross videos from your smartphone with Nerds (you can do this from your phone or using the social interaction, which is found under “funny”).
  • Use pick-up lines on Nerds.
  • Boast about your gaming skills (though this might upset people) or enthuse about comic books to other Sims.
  • Once unlocked, challenge other Nerds to trivia challenges. Your chances of winning depend on the levels of both Nerds in the challenge.
  • Use the mind meld once you’ve earned it to advance your relationships and find out more about your fellow Sims.
  • Play video games either on a console or computer, and play online as often as you can (preferably with another Nerd, online gaming boosts relationships).
  • Solve equations on a whiteboard; these are typically found in lecture halls, though you can buy one for your own home.
  • Do scientific research at school or home.
  • Hang out at the comic shop in the university sub-city; it’s a great place to meet Nerds, and you can buy and read lots of comics there.

REWARDS

  • Level 1: New social interactions: Boast about gamer skillz; enthuse about comic books; berate ignorance.
  • Level 2: Receive the Maxoid Game Simulator 2-1/2 console and the ability to play games online.
  • Level 4: Issue a trivia challenge.
  • Level 6: Use the mind meld social interaction.
  • Level 8: Receive a social trait.
  • Level 10 (max): Get a career offer: video game developer.

JOCKS

With a penchant for keggers and bonfires, maybe jocks just have more fun. If you want to be an athletic party animal, here are the steps to take and the rewards you’ll receive.

ACTIVITIES

  • Play collegiate sports in the stadium.
  • Play table tennis or juice pong on the ping pong table.
  • Hang out at the bowling alley to increase your bowling skill while meeting other Jocks.
  • Use the flying disc.
  • Throw lots of juice kegger and bonfire parties (you’ll have to buy the appropriate items), and attend as many as you can. If you’re hosting, make sure you keep the keg full and the bonfire burning! Keg stands are also a great way to improve influence.
  • Complete jock opportunities, which usually arise at parties with quick deadlines.
  • Perform the school cheer.
  • Take photos of yourself or others with the smartphone.

REWARDS

  • Level 1: Gain the “tell a friend how cool I am” social interaction.
  • Level 2: Gain the abilities to do the school cheer and host juice keggers.
  • Level 4: Take self-portraits with your smartphone and host bonfires.
  • Level 6: Receive Rent-a-Party opportunities.
  • Level 8: Receive a social trait.
  • Level 10 (max): Get a career offer: sports agent.

REBELS

Damn the man! You don’t care for authority, and you’re ready to show the world. Get your picket signs ready, because you’re about to turn your rebellious side into a way to get ahead.

Latest Videos From
Watch full video here:

ACTIVITIES

  • Organize successful protests, and later on host rowdy ones. Use the podium to keep the crowd riled and engaged during each one.
  • Give an impassioned speech with the podium.
  • Dare other Sims to do crazy things.
  • Add special herbs to food recipes.
  • Gossip about your roommates and use pick-up lines on other Rebels.
  • Rant or proclaim your love with your megaphone.
  • Go dumpster diving—as a bonus, you might find some cool junk in there.
  • Use the street art kit to leave tags or murals around town while boosting your street art skill.

REWARDS

  • Level 2: Get the street art bag and megaphone, as well as the ability to sell test answers to others.
  • Level 4: You’ll become more likely to get away with cheating; use the podium to say what’s wrong with the world or stage a hunger strike.
  • Level 6: Get a rebel phone skin, show off your new gizmo, and stage a rowdy protest.
  • Level 8: Gain a social trait.
  • Level 10 (max): Get a career offer: art appraiser.
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
  • 1
  • 2

Current page: Page 2

Prev Page Page 1
CATEGORIES
PC Gaming Platforms
Sarah LeBoeuf
Sarah LeBoeuf
Social Links Navigation

Sarah is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant. Her work has appeared on websites including IGN, Polygon, Variety, NBC News, Nerdist, Ars Technica, GamesRadar, and more. 

Read more
The Sims 4 career cheats help this detective get ahead
The Sims The Sims 4 career cheats to get ahead in the workplace
 
 
The Sims 4 screenshot of the Enchanted by Nature expansion pack which shows a fairy in a yellow outfit and other mythical creatures standing underneath trees
The Sims The best Sims 4 expansion packs to buy right now in 2026
 
 
A screenshot of eight Miis waving in front of the logo for Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
Simulation Games How to get all Tomodachi Life Living the Dream personality types
 
 
Paralives personalities
Simulation Games How to upgrade personalities in Paralives
 
 
How to get more money in Paralives by completing Townie requests
Simulation Games How to get more money in Paralives
 
 
Paralives cheats
Simulation Games Paralives cheats and command codes for money, skills, relationships, and more
 
 
Latest in The Sims
The Sims 4 burglar
The Sims The Sims 4's microtransaction Marketplace has officially shown me the door after 24 years of Simming
 
 
Proxi characters stand on green hexagons of grass
The Sims The Sims creator blew 10 years and millions of dollars on new game, laid off team, and isn't done
 
 
The Sims 4 tattoo artist career
The Sims The Sims 4 Marketplace sparks angry fan reactions and comparisons to paid Fallout and Skyrim mods
 
 
The Sims 4 burglar
The Sims The Sims 4 Marketplace is coming with paid mods – because that's definitely what fans of EA's life sim want
 
 
The Sims 2
The Sims How The Sims 2 inspired the first generation of YouTubers: "The 2000s were a simpler time"
 
 
The Sims 4 Lovestruck reveal trailer screenshot showing an adult woman with short black hair and a dark lace mask dancing, her hands crossed behind her head
The Sims The Sims 4's biggest sex mod, WickedWhims, is launched 400,000 times a day according to its creator
 
 
Latest in Guides
Grow a Garden 2 codes
Simulation Games Grow a Garden 2 codes (June 2026) and how to redeem them for free seeds
 
 
Destiny 2 all Strange Leftovers collected and Pieces of the Whole Triumph completed
Destiny How to find Destiny 2 Strange Leftovers for the Pieces of the Whole Triumph
 
 
Loof Horn in Witchspire
Survival Games Loof Horn location in Witchspire
 
 
Destiny 2 Assimilated Demolishers vex boss trio
Destiny How to find Destiny 2 Assimilated Demolishers and complete the Forcible Disconnect Triumph
 
 
Fine Wood in Witchspire
Survival Games Where to find Fine Wood in Witchspire
 
 
Meccha Chameleon
Stealth Games What is the Meccha Chameleon max players count?
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Assassin's Creed Shadows protagonist Yasuke in a pirate outfit
    1
    Assassin's Creed Shadows' "real ending" lands with a free update prepping for Black Flag Resynced
  2. 2
    Double Fine, Ninja Theory reportedly among multiple Xbox studios rushing to negotiate an exit
  3. 3
    House of the Dragon showrunner says season 3 newcomer Ormund Hightower is "basically the Tywin Lannister of this world"
  4. 4
    Senua is excactly what Ninja Theory needs and Hellblade deserves right now
  5. 5
    Capcom is "quite confident" Onimusha: Way of the Sword will give players a challenge after the demo was "too easy"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...