<p>I'm a freshman at penn state and I have been here for about two and a half months. The very first week of classes I almost left because I hated it so much but that seemed very irrational so I decided to stick it out. It's been 2.5 months now and I am enjoying it more but I still don't like it. I have a few friends here I feel comfortable with but I always seem to be eating alone. One reason I don't like college is because I spend basically my entire week alone...go to class alone, eat alone, do homework alone. And all this alone time has now got me worried about my health since social interaction is the basic foundation for a functional human being. I have fun on football weekends, go out with friends, I'm involved in a Christian organization. But I still feel so lonely and incomplete. I find myself crying a lot and have talked to my parents about coming home in the spring to go to a local community college...but my question is then what? Go to another college? I know this sounds cliche and stupid, but all I want to do is explore the world, and I feel like here I'm so confined. My good friend is going out to Colorado next year and has invited me to come, her sister goes there now and it looks amazing, she travels, hikes, ski's and is always exploring. whereas at penn state I feel like im confined to partying and school. I'm just very confused about who I want to be and what I want to do with my life. Anyone who has felt like this please talk to me, any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm beginning to think college may not be for me, I love to surf and my dream life would be just to travel the world surfing and maybe open a surf shop. I am currently in engineering here at psu and I do enjoy what I am learning, math class is like an outlet for me, I actually enjoy doing my math homework because it gets my mind off everything. I'm just very confused as to what to do. sorry this is so long this is my first time using this site, i thought it'd be helpful to get other's thoughts on this situation, especially if anyone else out there has felt this way, thanks so much</p>
<p>Transfer to Colorado if you want, but at least visit first. Know that there probably isn’t any surfing there, though.</p>
<p>I’m sorry you feel that way, but transferring will only make it worse. I’m sure you’re a happier person than you were in your first few weeks of college, and if you transfer to an entirely new environment you will essentially revert back to square one. One friend won’t change that.</p>
<p>In life, you’re constantly bombarded by new situations. Your first job will be the same way. As will your second job, third job, etc etc. Adapting to situations in which you don’t know people/don’t know the culture is an important life skill.</p>
<p>Penn state is a good school, and regardless of how happy you are you should be proud that you’re in the process of obtaining a good degree. </p>
<p>I’ve definitely felt the same way (at Brown), but the one thing to remember is that your purpose in life is not defined by the people you surround yourself with. It’s defined by your own challenges and accomplishments. Happiness (or lack thereof) is a byproduct, not a goal.</p>
<p>If it makes you feel better, many people feel the same way. It’s true, I promise. </p>
<p>Here’s the truth. There’s a lot of alone time at college. Many of my friends prefer to study alone. I have lunch by myself 3 days a week and so do tons of other people. I suggest sticking it out for the full year. Join a few clubs, get a job, go to some parties, and really put yourself out there. It’s tough, but it’s life. That being said, don’t feel like since you’re alone sometimes that that makes you weird. This isn’t high school!! One of the greatest things college will teach you is how to be comfortable with yourself. Best of luck and stay strong!</p>
<p>Hey! I’m also a freshman at Penn State. I also feel a bit lonely at times, but it’s nice to know that others feel the same way as me. I found myself eating alone a lot even though I did make some new friends my first semester. Eating alone is no fun, but I think it is important to realize that many people in college do eat by themselves. My friends can’t always make it to lunch and dinner with me so I’m forced to go and eat by myself. I try to eat at least one meal with a friend. I’m planning on joining more clubs next semester. Hopefully I’ll also make some new friends in my classes next semester. I hope you find happiness in whatever you end up deciding to do, but Penn State really is a great school with great people. You could look into joining either hiking club or ski club. I don’t think there’s a surfing club though haha. I’ve also had fun going to late night at the HUB on weekends, and football games are obviously a blast. Just try to keep an open mind and make small talk with other people you may want to get to know better. Good luck!</p>