So long story short, I essentially spend the last 1.5 years rotting at home in bed oscillating from mild to heavy depression, though abt 7months of them was intense studies before I burned out. But anyway I went to a college today, a decent one not amazing, just whatever I got, just to get a look. It starts next week. And to find places to live in a different city (though its only about 100kms apart from my home).
And yeah I am kinda scared now idk. I do not really have any meaningful friends or something or a mentor to ask advice, so well I would like to hear your stories! Or any tips? I am kinda introverted, well not kinda quite a bit. But I wont say I am under-confident, I do not have trouble talking to people or something, mostly I just find hard to relate with them. Even today I tried striking some casual convos but seniors have some attitude towards freshers i guess, and freshers were too busy completing their docs maybe.
I’d say youre very normal in that regard. All freshmen are awkward and probably scared to respond or talk to new people.
Today’s phone addicted world is a lot different than when I went, but I’d still say having conversations, smiling, are all good easy things still. You can get a mentor in college and often they will assign one to you for freshmen. Will you have a roommate? I myself never liked any of my roommates and the best times were when they dropped out and I had my own room. I had a campus job which was a lot of fun and pretty relaxed. Maybe look for that if you want some easy side money and to meet folks.
The majority of people tend to think they need to get drunk to have a good time so drinking will be a very popular thing, if youre in the US. Wasnt my thing so I never went to parties.
I don’t do any sports but football games and crap are a good way to meet people. I’m not someone who likes those types of people generally so I didnt do that. But Frisbee golf is fun sometimes.
I totally get the not relating part. My hobbies tend to be completely out of the norm even though to me seem like something everyone does (cars, music, videogames, but specific eras). Anyway, youll find a friend group thats into the stuff you are. Usually I would try to see if I vibe with someone by asking what music they liked or what car they drive. Sometimes that gets you a weird look or you get the most average “I like all music. Ummm I think its a Toyota” which usually for me was a sign that they probably won’t vibe with my interests. Or just ask what they do for fun. Or the age old “what’s your major”.
Also remember, most kids are assholes. Their brains havent developed and they may have had bad parenting plus now toxic news and social media addictions. So its probably not you if you get weird reactions from them.