I am at my dream school (a top 30), playing a sport I love, but I am not having a good time. Academically and athletically, I am doing fine, but socially, I am really struggling. I have no real friends despite playing a fall sport because I had to miss many of the orientation events and get-to-know events, and most of the people on my team don’t talk to me outside of the sport. I know people say it’s supposed to get better, but I just feel like I keep messing up socially at this school and need to get away. Another issue is that I love this school but not necessarily the people; I looked other places for college, but knew this was the one I wanted to call home, so I’m not even sure where I would transfer to. If anyone has thoughts or ideas, I would be much appreciative.
How is it that you missed so many of the orientation events? Was it because of your sports practice or for another reason?
Are there any on-going orientation-like events? Are there any clubs you might like, or community service projects that would interest you?
What kind of classes are you taking? Do any of them require team projects?
Why is it that you aren’t speaking with team members outside of the sport? Do you all have such different schedules that you simply don’t see each other?
What is the social life like in your dorm? Is there a TV room that people gather in to watch a favored program?
Have you spoken with anyone in the counseling center about your adjustment to college? That could be a good place to start. The counselors have a lot of experience with this sort of thing, and should have useful suggestions for you.
It seems like you have a good thing going at your current school.
Your social problems won’t be resolved by transferring. If you transfer, you still will have missed orientation events with your class.
Give it time. You’ll be fine. :)>-