Can't make friends. . .

Please don’t give up. You’ve only just begun college. You already identified yourself as an introvert in a single room who doesn’t like to party. Keep putting yourself out there in the ways that you have been. Making real friends isn’t an instant thing, especially if you are not very outgoing. I can’t imagine that you don’t see any other freshman eating in the dining hall alone. Those very people might even be feeling the way you are and might feel great if you approach them and say, “mind if I join you?” Start up a small talk conversation, and who knows, the kernel of a friendship may begin.

I can tell you this, contrary to the fantasy that you will meet your best lifelong friends the first week of college (this is probably the minority), the reality is that many of the people who make quick friends at the beginning of freshman year are no longer friends by the end of college. Real relationships take time to evolve. Be patient, but also keep trying, never stop trying if you want relationships. They don’t just knock on your door, you have to keep smiling, being friendly and being open to them. Forever. Not just in college.