<p>OP–I’m sorry that your friend is having some difficulty in finding a group or groups of friends. But I think you summed it up when you said that it was a common freshman experience. Chicago does try to help the process along–the house system is designed to provide students with an instant set of friends. Then, where you take it is up to you.</p>
<p>I really don’t think there are more socially awkward people at Chicago than there are at other academic schools. My daughter (who I think my would fit your criteria as nerdy but in an acceptable way and socially fine) thinks there are more awkward people at Yale.</p>
<p>I wish your friend some better success, but I don’t think that you or other applicants should think that her story is a reason to avoid the school.</p>