Sophomore in college feels sad/alone

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can she study abroad next year? Won’t matter that she has few friends at her home school and can be a terrific experience.

Then she just has senior year and she’s done.

I love this idea.

This could be great as long as she’s otherwise stable.

[Anonymous]

Op here I agree study abroad would be great but unfortunately, it’s a little difficult with her major. I don’t think it’s going to happen but a great idea…

[Anonymous]

I would encourage her to take some social risks. See if a classmate wants to grab lunch after class. Ask if she can sit at an occupied table at the library. Sign up for the outdoor club and strike up conversations during hikes. Consider a job off campus and make non-school friends.

[Anonymous]

I could have writeen this post about my son. I spoke with him last night and while he has some freinds, he doesn't feel close to anyone and is lonely. Several of my mom friends have said the same about their sophomores. I don't know if it's their year in school or just kids this age in general, but I think many struggle to connect socially even when involved with ECs with like minded young adults. We have goteen my son a 'social coach' (okay, a therapist) to help him feel more confident putting himself out there and connecting. Seems crazy something like that is needed, but between screens and covid I think they've lost a good part of the opportunity to figure this out as kids. I just don't want him to be so sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I could have writeen this post about my son. I spoke with him last night and while he has some freinds, he doesn't feel close to anyone and is lonely. Several of my mom friends have said the same about their sophomores. I don't know if it's their year in school or just kids this age in general, but I think many struggle to connect socially even when involved with ECs with like minded young adults. We have goteen my son a 'social coach' (okay, a therapist) to help him feel more confident putting himself out there and connecting. Seems crazy something like that is needed, but between screens and covid I think they've lost a good part of the opportunity to figure this out as kids. I just don't want him to be so sad.

NP here. My daughter is a sophomore in college and feels the same way. And she's very involved in a litany of activities at her college (club sport, music ensemble, an research job at a big lab)

[Anonymous]

When my DS was in this situation, he found it helpful to get an on-campus job (at the campus fitness center). This kept him busy 10-12 hours per week, and meant he had stuff to do and a way to meet people. He offered to work the evening shifts.

[Anonymous]

I second the part time job idea. It brings you into contact with different people and even if they don’t become friends, the distraction of being busy, around people, and having a regular schedule will make her think less about feeling lonely.

[Anonymous]

Again, this is why the Greek system is a good idea, for all types of kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Again, this is why the Greek system is a good idea, for all types of kids.

Until they get cut

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Again, this is why the Greek system is a good idea, for all types of kids.

Until they get cut

they don't generally get "cut" from all houses in formal rush, the girls just get attitudes that they are "too good" for whatever sorority that wants them and they drop out.

[Anonymous]

Op - The year is almost over so can you book her with her local doctor for a checkup and perhaps a screening for depression. She came of age in high school and experienced Covid, so like many of her peers, the social scene and skills sets different for this cohort of students. You can enjoy your classes, be busy with activities and know folks, but not have a sense of attachment to real friends. It might help to see a therapist and share how she is doing and perhaps develop some insights on what she can do to change the situation.

Does she have a summer routine which will give her the chance to connect with h.s. friends and/or have a job or internship which will get her out an meeting new folks. Sort of practicing some social skills that will help her when she returns to school.