<p>I spend about 80% of the day by myself (basically...when I'm not in class). I literally have 0 friends here.</p>
<p>Do things tend to improve after freshman year? Would it be a good idea for me to transfer?</p>
<p>Where are you? Tell us something about yourself, what your major is, what your looking for in a school and friends? What your interests are?</p>
<p>Well, I'm not in college, but are you involved in any clubs/organizations? That's a good place to meet people who have similar interests as you.</p>
<p>Duke, and I'm undecided. I don't know, but I don't seem to click with any of the people here really well. I don't really have that many interests, but I do like writing.</p>
<p>SatanicTeaCozy?</p>
<p>Is this CC's easiest case study ever?</p>
<p>If you like writing, maybe you could get involved with the student newspaper. Have you looked at the list of clubs and organizations at Duke? As Kevin said ^ it's a good way to meet people. Sometimes it's hard to adjust to the college lifestyle and find your place. I would say to give it another semester and put some strong effort into joining things and getting involved. If after that, you still feel as though your school is not a good fit, then it may pay to look into other schools that might work better for you. However, since you are a freshman and only have one semester under your belt, it would be a good idea to see how the second semster goes.</p>
<p>"SatanicTeaCozy?</p>
<p>Is this CC's easiest case study ever?"</p>
<p>Hey, the best part of screen names is that you can make them as silly as you want. I don't actually consider myself some sort of caffeine-protecting demon...;). Really though, I don't understand where the condescension is coming from (or maybe I misinterpreted it, and it's just a joke), but I really would like input from people that had a rough start and to hear whether things improved for them. </p>
<p>I have tried the club thing, but I think that actually intensified the awkward/out of place feelings for me.</p>
<p>Do you like any type of sports? They're usually less awkward than clubs.</p>
<p>I didn't have any friends after first semester either. I had some people I kind of hung out with but sometimes I felt like they were being nice to me because they felt sorry for me. I went home alot though, and I think that left me unable to make any good friends at first. After first semester, I got involved in some organizations, and met alot of people that way. It is awkward at first, but you just have to like, start talking to people. Then after you've been talking, you can be like, "oh yeah, what's your name? I'm X." That's how friendships start. But you have to realize, for the probably 100's people I've talked to like that in meetings and class and whatever, I made maybe 10 really good friends out of it (these friends can of course lead to more friends), and several acquaintances. You don't ever become best friends with everyone.</p>
<p>If you like writing, get involved with the school newspaper or literary magazine. Newspapers always need copy editors, so volunteer to do that. You'll make friends from hanging around the paper and helping out. </p>
<p>The way that one makes friends in college is through extracurriculars, so get involved with something that interests you. Clubs will need new members after winter break.</p>
<p>The campus counseling center also can help you develop better social skills so you can meet people easier. Lots of students have your concerns, so don't be embarrased about using the counseling center.</p>
<p>I am just posting to say you are definitely not alone. There are other freshmen out there, even on East Campus :) who feel miserable too. I hear second semester is better sometimes. Do you normally make friends easily? I know that's an issue for me. Is part of issue that roommate and hallmates are not exactly super-friendly like other halls/dorms are? I know that is also an issue for me too. Just remember that there are over 1700+ kids in Class of 2011. You have not met everyone yet. Don't spend so much energy trying to befriend the people who repeatedly reject your actions- focus on the people who seem friendly to you and the new people who might meet.</p>
<p>Like everybody has said, the easiest way to make friends is to get involved. What were your EC's in high school? You must have had some when you applied to Duke, how about pursuing some of those interests (or something similar) in college?</p>
<p>Hey, I go to Duke and I'm also a freshman.</p>
<p>I definitely think the suggestion to join the Chronicle is a great idea. I have two friends on it, and I know they tend to spend a lot of time with the people on it, and seem to really enjoy it.</p>
<p>I've noticed since coming to Duke that everyone seems to spend most of their time with their hall, so have you gotten to know your hall well yet? If not, I would do so. One of my friends doesn't get along well on her hall, so she spends nearly all of her time in my dorm with us. Otherwise, there are still a lot other ways you can meet people, and the Chronicle would be a good place to start. </p>
<p>I really hope things work out for you better second semester. I know I've definitely felt the way you are feeling at times, but it has worked out better for me since then, and will for you too.</p>
<p>Live life drunk. Maybe someone will notice and save you.</p>
<p>Well, hasn't worked for me haha.</p>
<p>I go to Duke and my sophomore year has been pretty good. But I wouldn't say it is "easier" to make friends. Most people already have their groups established. </p>
<p>Recommendations:
1) Rush next semester: this doesn't mean a frat or sorority although those are good options. Look into share, prism, brownstone, etc. (you might feel awkward but you will make friends and find a group of people you like)</p>
<p>2) Go to section parties. They suck after freshman year, but really you meet so many people through them. There aren't as many second semester but take advantage during rush. </p>
<p>3) Make an effort. Introduce yourself to people on your hall. </p>
<p>I think transferring is rarely a solution as you place yourself in the same situation. In no way am I trying to be an ass, but often someone's personality puts them in this situation. Being introverted is fine, but everyone has to make an effort. </p>
<p>Again, rush and join a group next semester. Look into frats/sororities/selective living groups. It is the easiest option you have.</p>
<p>I will force my friend who goes to Duke to be your friend :) She's a writer for The Chronicle, btw.</p>
<p>Heyy,
My freshman year at Duke was initially kind of ... ehh? I'm way out of state, no one from my school has gone here in years, so I was out of my element. And I was surrounded by hallmates who just wanted to get wasted. the intellectual, cool kids seemed to be in hiding! I then took a chance and went on Common Ground, a retreat held by the center for race relations, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me at Duke. I met so many upperclassmen, students from very different parts of campus-- president of the ASA, people from Defmo, black sorority members-- and we all talked about race, gender, sexuality, and class. it was a great way to see that freshmen are insecure and try to fit in by drinking, but eventually, that ebbs. I definitely disliked my freshman dorm, never made friends with more than 3 people in it, and made friends in extracurricular activities. of the other 3 freshmen on that retreat (not many freshmen apply), i am living in a selective living group with one, starting a business with another, and traveled to India and worked in a village with the third. After finding my place second semester, I really fell in love with my school. as a sophomore, I can tell you I definitely do not regret my decision to come here, and am in my element. I am so happy! I only hope you do the same. I really think you need to look into extracurriculars. I have a freshman friend who is a little jaded about East Campus life, so if you want, I can tell you her name :)</p>
<p>Good luck. I promise (although I'm not omniscient), it gets easier.</p>
<p>Also, although it may be tempting, DO NOT GET IN A RELATIONSHIP.</p>
<p>^^well do not get one if you don't feel it's right^^</p>
<p>i'm interested in writing for the chronicle. how do u join?</p>
<p>maybe the gods do not favor you</p>
<p>have you been a naughty boy?</p>