<p>^^ Sad’s right. You don’t like the “pollution”? Then don’t come in here. </p>
<p>I’ll never understand people that go into a thread simply to bash the OP. <em>shrug</em></p>
<p>Everyone goes through the same worries to an extent. Be friendly and be yourself. Those two don’t have to be mutually exclusive.</p>
<p>Does your dorm hold events? I really think it’s a great way to meet people in your dorm. Also if your dorm has a hall council, join it! You have to work with others so it helps too.</p>
<p>I’m in the same exact boat as you right now. I moved eight hours away from home and I’m so terribly homesick and I don’t feel like I’m making any friends, especially when other people are already forming the classic cliques, you know? But everyday has it’s ups and downs and it’s getting easier. My roommate has proven to be a pretty great friend and we’ve become good friends with the two girls that live across the hall. We’ve just go to try and put ourselves out there, you know? Everyone else is feeling the same way right now. It’ll get better! (: Feel free to message me if you want!</p>
<p>It’s still early. I didn’t make any friends during that week before classes, just some acquaintances that I’m not in touch with anymore. Then when classes started, I started making friends. For example made some friends from seeing a guy in one of my classes in the dining room, and just said, hey were in so and so class together, can I eat with you guys. And then from there I met peoples roommates, met some more people in classes, met people at work, and became friends with them. I didn’t get friends that fit me perfectly until sophomore year. Now I have a giant social circle, and can have something going every night of the week if I want, and I have people calling on me to make their nights.</p>
<p>It takes time, especially when you’re going to a college where you no noone. Gradually you will make a few friends, then you will make more friends, and then you will be making friends at a rapid pace and not have trouble meeting new people.</p>
<p>To people complaining about this being “another one”: If you are tired of these threads, don’t respond especially if you have nothing else to do but whine about it. You saw the title and knew it was another one of these.</p>
<p>To the OP:
The first week sucks. Sometimes the first MONTH sucks. I’ve been there. At times I still feel a bit lonely because I don’t have “best” friends, but if you keep yourself preoccupied and get involved, you do feel a bit sane!</p>
<p>Other tidbits that others have mentioned: Say hi to people you are familiar with. Talk to kids in your class. Go to dorm events. Maybe volunteer to help out with dorm events that the RA puts together. Go to campus events. Join a club sport (you said cross country, so that’s a great start!). Don’t hang around in your dorm room just lying in bed because trust me, that can make you feel a bit depressed at times. You feel better when you are among people.</p>
<p>Also, stay true to yourself. I know that sounds cheesy but seriously you shouldn’t have to conform just to fit in. If you don’t drink or party, no one is forcing you to. People tend to think that just because you don’t go out every night that you are committing social suicide. I’m not saying that you SHOULDN’T go out to parties at all, but if you have gone to one and realized it is not your thing, don’t feel guilty about, especially if you feel uncomfortable with the people around you.</p>
<p>Also, make sure you focus on your academics because it just creates or add more problems. I had a bit of a rough patch where I was so busy worrying about fitting in that I kind of slacked off. I didn’t do poorly, but I didn’t perform to my full potential.</p>
<p>You are not alone. There might be kids at your school who are experiencing the same thing right now. It’s not uncommon to feel pointless during the first month, especially when clubs and stuff are just starting.</p>
<p>You are doing fine so far in terms of getting involved with running, a club, and having a job. You just need to be kept busy for the time being and you’ll be fine. All you need are a few friends.</p>
<p>Anyway, hang in there, and I hope for the best!</p>
<p>I guess I was lucky when I started college. I did a summer program and was able to go home on the weekends. It was a much easier transition for me. I can understand that being far from home makes it harder to adjust. </p>
<p>Try this:
*Make goals (academic, social, physical) and focus on them.
*Keep an open mind–say Hi to everyone, even if they look like drug addicts/jocks/nerds/etc, you never know, everyone has the potential to become a friend. Even if not, then at least you met someone new!
*Stay optimistic, take initiative! If its near dinner/lunch time, and you see some one around the dorm, introduce yourself and ask if they wanna get dinner/lunch with you! </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>