This is my first post on CC (but I have been reading on here for months). Here’s my issue; I thought the school I selected was my dream school; amazing program for my major, amazing views from campus, but I can’t help but feel like I don’t belong here. I am a freshman and have been here for three months, but I find myself wanting to go home on the weekends instead of being on campus. I live close enough that I am able to go home, but I think my parents would rather I remain on campus. I hate the weekends, and I have not made as many friends as I would like (I am also not into the party scene so that does not help). To top it off I feel anxious a lot of the time, and I am considering potentially transferring to commute from home. I wish I liked it here, and I am trying to give it at least a year until I look into transferring, but I just don’t know what to do. I feel like I should not have these feelings towards my “dream” School. Any advice?
First of all, going to university is a big life change for every student, and there are a lot of students who still feel this way after three months. It takes a while to settle into a very new living situation. I think that your parents are correct that in the long run you would be better off if you remain on campus on weekends and find things to do.
There are many ways to meet new people. However, the ways that are probably most likely to work are to meet people in your living situation (typically in your dorm), or to meet people through activities. It is much less likely to meet people through classes or at the library since in both locations students are focused on classes and studying. If you are not meeting people through your dorm, then you need to get involved in clubs and similar activities. Intermural sports is another possibility. Nearly all universities have a LOT of activities to choose from. You will probably find a lot which you have no interest in at all, but there should be a few that you do find interesting.
If your school has some sort of outdoors club which organizes hikes or cross country skiing that is a way to meet people since both activities give time to talk. I have seen clubs that involve some sort of games (chess, slot hockey, tiddlywinks, bridge are four that I actually tried back when I was in school) which again gives the opportunity to talk to people while participating in an activity. There are of course lots of other clubs you could choose from.
You might also want to see someone at the counseling center at your school. They will be able to talk more personally about what you like to do and they will also know more than us folks on CC regarding what activities are available on your campus. They talk to students in your situation all the time and should be very happy to talk with you also. That is what they are there for.
Are you at a really big school? I’m feeling the same things you are.
Other clubs to join would be a charity where you do something good together. Also good is a film club (or anime club) where students get together to choose films then watch them.
Do you have people to eat with?
How are you doing with your classes?
Do you have at least one class with 25 students or fewer (having only very large classes can add to a feeling of alienation)? If you don’t, make sure to take at least one for next semester.
@Msull17 I am on cc with my D19 for College info but I can tell you I was in your shoes 20+ years ago. I can honestly say I did not settle in until after my first semester. The best buds I ended up with were from my dorm, but not suite mates. I also felt the need to get out of the whole dorm scene once and a while so ventured to join with some clubs. A lot of campuses have Key clubs (college version of Kiwanis I think). This was great because it got us off campus doing volunteer work and with people I otherwise would not have hung out with. I also attended the Christian fellowship group (much to my larents surprise and delight 
I am Catholic, but this group welcomed all denominations and sponsored having Mass periodically on campus as well as outings, chats etc. Some dorm mates did the campus radio station, the drama club and the activities board (plans events on campus, wish I had done this). I also had friends that made other friends through working PT on or off campus. And yes, by all means head down to the counseling center because so many students go through this. They may even have a group to discuss this, and if not, suggest starting one. And keep talking to yiur family about it. All tge best!!
@EENYMum - Circle K. (Key Club is the high school branch.) OP, I agree that you should try out some activities. I would also suggest visiting the campus counseling center to talk some things through. Three months is not very long, but if you are bothered, it is helpful to address your feelings.
Read this post please: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/2016222-to-those-who-feel-lonely-homesick-friendless-think-they-chose-the-wrong-school-etc-p1.html
Honestly, going home is just about the worst thing to do. It means no one will take time to connect with you, and vice versa, becasue why invest energy when you are never there when things are fun? There is no time limit on meeting people and making friends. Stick it out for a year, and stay on campus. You will thank yourself.