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 agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

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
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • 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
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • 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
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • 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
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Crimson Desert
  • Arc Raiders
  • The Boys S5
  • Best turn-based RPGs
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
Don't miss these
A group of Miis celebrating a birthday during Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
Simulation Games Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream review: "Real Nintendo Housewives meets the OC in my own personal Mii fever dream"
InZoi zois taking photos together
Simulation Games InZoi boss isn't fazed by "a few hundred thousand returns" as the 1.0 launch looms
Basketball Zero codes
Sports Games Basketball Zero codes (April 2026) for Lucky Spins
Pragmata hacking yellow hacking nodes
Action Games Everything you need to know about hacking in Pragmata
Resident Evil Survival Unit codes
Survival Horror Games Resident Evil Survival Unit codes (April 2026) and how to redeem them
Racket Rivals codes
Sports Games Racket Rivals codes (April 2026) for free Yen and spins
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
Three of the Heroes of Might and Magic Olden Era Skills.
Strategy Games Best Heroes Olden Era Skills and how to reach elite class
Universal Tower Defense X codes
Strategy Games Universal Tower Defense X codes (April 2026) for free Gems and Rerolls
Starfield backgrounds lin and heller
RPGs All Starfield backgrounds and the best ones to pick
The Sims 4 burglar
The Sims The Sims 4's microtransaction Marketplace has officially shown me the door after 24 years of Simming
Blue Lock Rivals codes
Sports Games Blue Lock Rivals codes (April 2026) for Lucky Spins
Starfield XP level up
RPGs How to farm Starfield XP and level up quickly
Pokemon Pokopia screenshot showing Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle all gathered around a Ditto in human form between two green trees
Pokemon The ultimate Pokemon Pokopia guide for restoring the world around you
A selection of board games laid out on a wooden table, behind a GamesRadar+ logo
Board Games Best board games 2026, with hand-picked recommendations from industry experts
  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
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.
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.

Article continues below
You may like
  • College Football 26 College Football 26 recruiting guide for Dynasty mode
  • 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 best Sims 4 expansion packs to buy right now in 2026
  • The Sims 2 How The Sims 2 inspired the first generation of YouTubers: "The 2000s were a simpler time"

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
College Football 26
Sports Games College Football 26 recruiting guide for Dynasty mode
 
 
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
 
 
The Sims 2
The Sims How The Sims 2 inspired the first generation of YouTubers: "The 2000s were a simpler time"
 
 
A doctor in the Love and Deepspace Secret's kiss event says to focus on what you need
Simulation Games I'm a lapsed Sims fan who just wants a doctor husband, and Love and Deepspace's new update lets me date 5 guys at once
 
 
The Sims 5 Project Rene: a purple screenshot of the the upcoming game.
Simulation Games Project Rene: Everything we know about the future of The Sims
 
 
FC 26
EA Sports FC FC 26 career mode guide to scouting, transfers, and the best teams to manage
 
 
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
Pragmata Mini Cabin
Action Games Where to find all Pragmata Mini Cabin collectibles
 
 
Pragmata Unknown Signal Big Cabin in Hidden Chamber
Action Games How to unlock Pragmata Unknown Signal and get all the rewards
 
 
Helldivers 2 Exo Experts Warbond helldivers standing between lumberer and breakthrough mechs while firing Gallant SMG
Third Person Shooters Helldivers 2 Exo Experts Warbond release date and all items
 
 
Arc Raiders Riven tides
Third Person Shooters Everything we know about the Arc Raiders Riven Tides update
 
 
Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun) and Omni-Man/Nolan (J.K. Simmons) posing on the poster for Invincible season 4
Superhero Shows Invincible season 4 episode 8 ending explained: who dies, where are the Viltrumites and will there be a season 5?
 
 
Two pixies, holders of the Heroes of Might and Magic Olden Era Fine Wand.
Strategy Games How to get the Fine Wand in Heroes Olden Era
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Pragmata Mini Cabin
    1
    Where to find all Pragmata Mini Cabin collectibles
  2. 2
    Slay the Spire 2 plummets to 66% positive lifetime Steam reviews after first major update
  3. 3
    Shigeru Miyamoto wants to keep The Super Mario Galaxy Movie's Princess Peach backstory changes canon in future games
  4. 4
    Ubisoft responds to "unfortunate" Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced leaks, says they're "old"
  5. 5
    Resident Evil Requiem is already one of the top 5 best-selling games in US series history

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...