Making friends coming in late as a freshman AND living off campus

State Forums
1

I’m a freshman in college and everyone started their first semester back in fall. I started my first semester about a month ago for the Spring term. I had some stuff going on where I couldn’t attend college the first term so that’s why I’m late. So not only has everyone already, I guess, “made their bonds” with people during the first semester, but I also live off campus so I don’t have the “dorm life”.

I joined some clubs and orgs but they haven’t started so much yet…I’ve only made acquaintances, but for the most part I’m just staying at my place off campus not talking to people. One of my housemates is my age but she doesn’t go to my school and she’s really quiet and kinda keeps to herself. The other girl does too, but she DOES go to my school, she older than me though.

How am I supposed to make friends if I’m a semester newer than anyone else and I don’t even live on campus? I’ve been lying to my parents cause they worry about me since I’m late to school. They worry that I’m not making friends but I tell them all the time, oh yeah college is great.

Is it still too early for me to be feeling this left out? Has anyone else entered college late and had to live off campus? Please tell me I’m not the only one, what did you do to become more involved? :\

2

You’ve only been there a couple of months. Building relationships takes time.

Next year, you might want to live with fellow students close to campus.

In the meantime, some random thoughts -

Spend as much time on campus as you can - hang out in the cafe/quad or wherever students gather before and after class. Eat on campus. Work out at the gym, participate in pick up volleyball (or whatever) games.

Find study groups

Join more engaging/active organizations - frat/sorority, that type of thing.

Mostly, you’ve got to keep at it. If you are in the mix and outgoing, trying new/different things you will find a network of friends.

Good luck.

3

My daughter had this problem and she lived on campus. What changed was that she signed up for volunteer organizations where they needed her and that’s how she made tons of friends.