I’m a second-semester college freshman, and I’m struggling to build close friendships despite really putting myself out there.
I’ve always been extroverted and friendly. In high school, I wasn’t popular, but I had a solid group of close friends. I came to college expecting something similar, but so far I’ve only made acquaintances.
My dorm is small, my roommate doesn’t want to be close, and I often feel out of place socially. I’ve tried inviting people to hang out, sitting with others at meals, joining clubs, and talking to classmates. People are kind, but relationships don’t seem to deepen beyond studying or eating together.
Earlier in the year, people felt more open, but now it seems like most friend groups are already formed. I had one close friendship early on that ended, and since then I’ve felt left behind socially.
I didn’t join a sorority, and sometimes I wonder if that made it harder. I'm just looking for a singular friend that I'm close enough with so I can live in a suite or just with someone not all alone in the loner loser dorm.
For people who struggled socially early in college but eventually found their people:
- What actually helped?
- Did things improve later, and if so, how?
- Are there better ways to meet people beyond dorms and clubs?
I’d really appreciate advice or hearing others’ experiences.