<p>I'll be returning to my small LAC next week as a sophomore, and I'm dreading it. I was at the same school for all of freshman year, lived in the dorms, went to all of my classes, and ate in the dining hall. Despite this, I've yet to make a single friend or close acquaintance at school. I can be a little bit of an introvert, but genuinely do enjoy people, and like to go out sometimes. After the first month or two, every night was spent alone in my room watching tv/netflix, reading, or doing schoolwork. </p>
<p>The idea of even heading back is sending me into a depressive panic, but I don't know what to do about it. Part of the problem that I've had is that I'm 22; I was 21 last year (obviously,) and missed my last bit of high school+the first years I should have gone to college because I couldn't find the appropriate treatment for my bipolar disorder/gender identity problems. In that time I alienated myself from old friends, and didn't make any new ones; as a result, I really just don't know how to do that sort of thing anymore. How exactly can I get past this? I can't stand the idea of spending another year as lonely as the last, but I don't think transferring is an option either. I'm too old to be an undergraduate already, and if I lose my credits from last year, my mom won't help me pay for school any longer. Even if I did, I don't know how it would be any different.</p>
<p>I haven't really found any student groups on campus that appeal to me, and I feel like I'm too old/not really suited, personality wise, for greek life. I don't drink or drug either, which seems to be a pretty large basis of socializing at my school.</p>
<p>22 isn’t too old to be an undergrad. I’m 22 also, but a junior, which means that I should have graduated this May. Don’t feel bad because you’re 22 and a sophomore. You’re lucky because you’re getting an education, some people can’t say that.</p>
<p>22 is not too old! I will be a freshman this fall and I’m 42! But I can relate. I felt really out of place at Orientation. I’m going to see if there’s an older student extra curricular group, and if not I’ll see if I can start one. Other than that, I assume that the majority of my social circle will be outside of school. Maybe you can make friends at a part time job, place of worship if you have one, or even online game? Good luck!</p>
<p>Well whatever, maybe the age isn’t a factor, but the problem is still there. I’m dropping a ton of money to go somewhere that I’m miserable and alone, and I really don’t want to do it anymore. I need to go to school, but I don’t know how to fix WHATEVER it is that makes me so unhappy. </p>
<p>I don’t have a job right now, and I’m not sure I have time for one as a biochemistry/molecular biology major; I have 3 labs and 4 MWF lectures with tues. recitation for one. I’m not religious, and I’ve been trying to shy away from online games because I feel like they contribute to the social withdrawal that I’m prone to.</p>
<p>I just replied to a thread like this one- to be honest it’s a relief to see other people are having sophomore blues. I got back earlier today and already I’m really nervous and sad. </p>
<p>You might like volunteering some. I tried out so many clubs and even some religious things (although I’m not very religious myself) but really the only thing that made me feel better was tutoring at a middle school and helping clean up different nature places. It really really helps to get out of the college bubble and see how many different kinds of people are out there. Sometimes I forget not everyone is out friday living it up on greek row. If anything, it’s a way to occupy time that could be spend worrying otherwise. Or try to find another hobby. I went hiking by myself a lot when I neede to clear my head (I’m lucky there’s trails right next to my campus). Exercising in general really helps, and I’m one of those people who hates gyms and never exercises. </p>
<p>And of course, the hardest part is actually finding and sustaining meaningful relationships. Can’t say I’ve mastered that but I do have two people I can at least talk to and go out with now. Just recognize it’s going to be really tough and there won’t be any instant success but you have to keep at it. Try your best to be friendly to everyone and to initiate small things like getting something to eat or walking to class together. </p>
<p>It seems like you’re doing what you can for your mental health therapy/treatment wise?
Be strong and take care of yourself. :)</p>