Hi,
I just finished my first semester at college, and I’ve been having a pretty difficult time adjusting. I’m shy and had a rather difficult time socially in high school, so I came into college hopeful that I would be able to fit in better and make at least a few close friends. I ended up at a school that wasn’t my top choice, but I was optimistic since I already knew a few people. The first few weeks were okay, and I met a bunch of people who I could picture myself becoming good friends with, but the past few weeks/months have been extremely lonely. Many of my friends from the first month or so have branched off and formed their own friend groups, and I feel like almost everyone at this point is in their own set friend group while I’m out of the loop. I went to a few parties the first month and met a few new people that way, even though I’m really awkward at parties, but now, I don’t even get invited to them. I have a roommate, but we’re not super close as she’s a recruited athlete and mostly hangs out with her teammates, and the people I knew from before have their own friends now too. I’ve joined quite a few clubs, but I feel like I’ve only met “acquaintances” through them. It’s gotten so bad that I’ve begun skipping meals because I worry about finding somewhere to sit/eating alone in the dining hall. I don’t know what’s wrong with me - I don’t think I’m terribly ugly and I dress well, it’s just that I’m not a big talker. Everyone from high school looks like they’re having a blast at college, and I don’t know what to do at this point. I’m not sure if I should try transferring to somewhere else or join more clubs or something; I’m just really not looking forward to next semester.