<p>Giraffe55, for what it’s worth, it sounds like first-year adjustment worries to me. I suspect he may have done the equivalent of what my kids have done over the phone: he dumped out all his concerns and worries for the upcoming year on you. He may not be as worried as he was before your conversation, because he’s been able to share them with you. Meanwhile, you are left in the throes of a crisis.</p>
<p>First, I can tell you that as far as I can tell (totally anecdotal, from my kids’ friends’ experiences), a child who chooses to change schools after freshman year can end up happily enrolled in college. So don’t get tied up in, “if he doesn’t apply to a local school this instant, he won’t have any options.” You have time for him to sort out his feelings. </p>
<p>Second, every year he will know more students at his school. Has he joined any extracurricular activities? It can take a while for kids to meet other kids. Extracurriculars are opportunities to meet students from other grades, who play different sports. If you’re concerned, I recommend touching base with his advisor on the social issue, and maybe his dorm head(s). There could be a subtle effort to encourage him to meet more people.</p>
<p>Third, I’d incline to following his lead, of waiting “until the snow is gone.” If he’s otherwise happy, see how he feels about the school, once he’s been through a whole academic year.</p>