Sorry if this is a long rant but I need to get this off my chest and get advice. I’m a transfer student at a new college and today was my first day. Even though I haven’t been here for long I already don’t like it. I feel out of place because I’m not from around here and in the hall I’m staying in everyone already has their own friends so it’s going to be hard for me to make friends with anyone. Besides being shy and looking young for my age I also don’t party and drink or have social media so that adds to my hardship. I wanted to experience college life away from home and on campus because I thought it would help me mature more and be very beneficial for me but I feel uncomfortable and sad. I think I should just go home and commute to school like I did my first to years at community college. This is going to be a long 4 1/2 months. I tried to come in with an open mind but from the moment I got here I feel like the other people in my hall have been mean to me. My school is 15 hours away from home so it’s not possible for me to go home on the weekends so it would be nice to have friends here. I also feel out of place because everyone seems stuck up and judgemental with the way they dress and I’m more relaxed when it comes to clothing. It makes me feel like I dress bad especially since all my clothes seem to look like little kids clothes since I look so young. I also have a hard time dressing for hot weather like in the summer and spring. The weather in this area is pretty hot & humid so I know I’m going to have a hard time with my clothes since it takes awhile to get cooler weather over here. Another thing that concerns me is that my school has this fashion police show that talks about things that students wear and I don’t want to end up on it and being made fun of. Can anybody give advice on how to cope with being here?
I dunno what will help you but my immediate thought was self confidence.
I had an upperclassmen friend told me my first week of college “Fake it til you make it.” Confidence is a self motivation thing (if I think I look good, then I am good, I suck at biology so I must suck at studying). Buying new clothes can be a temporary solution, but you should develop pride in being yourself.
Ignore haters, find helpers. Doesn’t your college have student organizations? Why not find people who share your interests? It’s unrealistic to believe everyone you meet dislike everything you do. Someone is bound to have common ground with you.
Remember the reasons for which you transferred to this college. What made you love this college more than your original college? Hold on to that and don’t be upset that you are unique! There is nothing wrong with your style of clothes, etc! Make friends and enjoy with the best you have. I am in a situation, as well, in which I am trying to figure out whether I should transfer or not…but you, you did it! You actually made the decision and you need to make the best of it! You won’t be made fun of…enjoy life. Choose joy.
Why don’t you join a class or gym that will make you get physical fit such as martial arts or cross fit? Working out will take your mind off of stress, give you physical skills, and you will also have to opportunity to meet new people. Make it a goal to get a black belt in martial arts in the same year as you graduate from college!
It is your first day as a transfer student – not much is surprising to me in your post. Try to find ways to be busy and meet people. Campus job, clubs or inter mural teams , volunteer opportunities. Get involved with the theater department or school newspaper.
I was going to suggest getting a job too.
ETA: just noticed this post is from August. Hope things are OK with OP.
@SouthFloridaMom9 Things are pretty much the same, random people say hi to me when I’m walking outside but I still have no friends. I’m still trying though.