Freshman Year In College Just "OK"

Hey Harlan,

I'm finishing up my freshman year in college, and it's been an OK so far. I say it's just OK because I've had trouble making friends. Everyone here is so uptight and closed in. In high school, I used to be big man on campus. I knew everyone and everyone knew me. Coming here, I realized that didn't matter and I grew to be OK with it. I remember that during the first days of moving in, I was very open to getting to know people, but people were very rude and mean. It's been like that ever since. I have my roommate to hang out with, and we hang out with some people in our building, but I've realized that they all like to drink heavily and get high. I've already registered next year for housing, and I was thinking about keeping my same roommate because we have a lot of the same interests and we get along well. Any suggestions regarding choosing a roommate and finding the cool people to meet?

Misunderstood

Hey Misunderstood,

You're still the big man on campus. It's just when you're a big man on a bigger campus it's easy to think you're small. Don't forget where you came from and who you are. You are still that same guy. Not being around people who know us best can throw us. It's easy to forget who we are. The first year in college is about getting your feet on the ground. The second year is about hitting the ground running. Ask yourself this question: "What did I love to do in high school?" Find those opportunities on campus. If those opportunities don't exist on campus, you might be on the wrong campus. As for the uptight people, these people tend to be the most insecure and miserable people. Let it go. About your roommate — he'll do, but I'd focus on finding friends outside of your room.