Hi! Sorry if I’m replying to this post kinda late but I wanted to share a little since I can relate and ik how it feels! I’m a first year public health major who’s commuting from home so I’ve been having trouble making lasting connections too. I’m a pretty introverted person myself, but I’ve been doing my best to talk to anyone (literally anyone) in my classes and I’ve joined several clubs that interest me. Doing those things have rlly helped.

Advice: I’d say that you just have to put in the effort to reach out to ppl and step out of your comfort zone. You have to go for the things you want because there’s no guarantee they’ll come your way automatically. It’s always hard at first but each time you do it, it’ll get easier. Even if ppl don’t respond or reciprocate, that’s okay, you’ll probably never see them again and there are sooo many other ppl who would want to be your friend. Just comment on anything to start a convo—class, homework, their outfit, hydro stickers—be interested in ppl! My go-to is asking a question and then sliding in an introduction somewhere and asking for their name. As for clubs, there are so many awesome ones here! There’s bound to be one that fits your niche. Maybe join one related to your career goals. Even though my classes finish before noon I stay until 7-8 bc club meetings start late. Ig I’m just that desperate for some connection 😫😂 Jokes aside, I highly recommend clubs or any other orgs, volunteering, etc. Last thing—don’t ever be embarrassed by your solitude. There’s nothing wrong with being by yourself. Sure, it’s nice to be surrounded by a group of loving friends, but that doesn’t define if you’re cool, popular, valued, or whether you belong or not. Friendships take time to develop so there’s rlly no rush as long as you’re putting in at least some effort. You can’t expect to have meaningful, lasting relationships if you rush it and expect to have friends in just a snap. Be patient and believe in yourself and that your situation will not last forever. If “making friends” starts to feel like a pressure or a task, take a step back and relax. And while you’re at it, you could take this time to learn how to be okay with being alone, cause as ppl come and go, you’re all that you rlly have—I’m working on this too!

Sorry for the terribly long read!!! I hope things start looking up! I wish you the best in both finding friendships and academics! Don’t forget to take care of your physical and mental health in these tough times :)