He will be in good hands, @parent365 . Our son doesn’t drink, isn’t really into spectator sports, has never had a girlfriend, typically only had 1 or 2 friends, and still absolutely loved his first year. We were a bit worried because of how miserable he was during HS. His college search specifically avoided places where students tend to be miserable. Our daughter went to a state college and spent her first semester very lonely. This won’t happen at ND.
The dorm system really works for this. Orientation includes all the kids for a series of activities and is a good time to meet the rest of the dorm freshman. When the older students return the parties start. They are in the dorms, doors closed, loud music and dancing, beer available but no pressure to drink. If a kid does get drunk he will be watched and monitored, not thrown out on the front lawn like fraternity parties. Each dorm will also organize a few out-of-dorm events, usually with a DJ and dancing but no alcohol during. These encourage bringing a date but it is not required. Many of the seniors live off-campus and will host parties. They trend a little wilder but still not bad by college standards.
Each dorm tends toward the same tables every meal in the dining hall, so nobody eats alone unless they really want to. There is usually a hangout room in each wing. Our son’s dorm has a weight room and pool and ping pong tables in the basement so he has his own cue and paddle. He made friends in other dorms and over at St. Mary’s too.
Encourage your son to join things at the beginning that he might be interested in. They do an activities fair the first week. He can pare down later as the semester gets busy.
Sorry we’re hijacking your thread @californiakt0 . Good luck to you in the application round this fall.