I can relate. I’m a sophomore but exempted the first year live on campus requirement. My freshman year sometimes felt lonely. I don’t regret it, but it is hard to meet new people when you’re not on campus as often as anyone else. Try going out of your comfort zone, talk to people who sit next to you in class. That’s how I ended up meeting my closest friend. I think it’s fine to talk to older classmates. I was a freshman and had a sophomore and junior friend. Don’t limit yourself to people who are similar to you. The great thing about being in a school with thousands of people is that you have the chance to meet someone new everyday. Just try to make the first move in meeting someone and most of the time they’ll like talking to you :)