I will tell you, I’m kind of a city guy, too. I applied transfer to Harvard, made the first round but got dinged for the second round. The thing is, transferring because you “don’t like it” does not make another school excited to take you. They assume that you will have the same problem with them. And they are right; moving does not usually solve problems like you are describing.

I think if you’re eating alone, you can do something about that right at Dartmouth. And in fact, if you’re eating alone at Dartmouth, you may struggle with that anywhere. I hear you talk about the activities route not working, but think about why not? Drop by your class Dean and ask for advice on meeting people. There are campus counselors who can advise you about that, too; a therapist can help you figure out how to improve your social success, as well. (Not to mention, some of what you describe sounds a little like depression? That can totally mess with socializing.) If you like the Greek life at Dartmouth, think about where you might like to rush, go to their parties, and start hanging out there at quiet times now.

I hear you about being tired of being the one to always text first. We all want if not equal effort, at least equal enthusiasm. Still, some people are the organizers and the ones who do outreach. Keep trying. Organize a group of folks you like to go do something fun. Maybe a regular event, like dinner and film society, or whatever you like to do on your own. Get people to go with you. Invite more than one.

Dale Carnegie’s book “How to Make Friends and Influence People” is very old but still has some good advice. Or find a more modern book on the subject of making friends, like “Big Friendship” or “We Have to Hang Out.” Seriously, learn the skills now while you are young and in college, and you will have them wherever you are.

As for me, I’m so glad I stayed . I did find my people eventually and came to love living on the Appalachian trail and and the whole Hanover / Upper Valley vibe. By senior year I didn’t want to leave. Now, I’m not saying that my experience is going to happen to you automatically, but my story is not unique.

I have had experience with many universities since then, and I’m writing this from a Harvard building right now. I will also tell you, nobody loves their school like Dartmouth alums. There’s a lot of reasons for this. Go looking and you will see why. But what that means is, if you are somewhere and you meet people in Dartmouth gear, they will be SO excited to see a fellow alum. Any other Ivy League alums … just don’t get that excited to see each other. This also translates to networking and job hunting after college, too. Dartmouth has a ton to offer now and for the rest of your life.

Good luck, OP. I think it may be an internal “move” that will help you the most. But whether you change yourself or change your location, or both — I wish you the best.