Arguably the scariest thing about starting college is making new friends. Up until you graduate high school you likely have attended school with the same group of people since you were a young kid. The prospect of having to make new friends, find an entirely new support system, and be accepted into a new community is incredibly daunting. After the first few weeks of my freshman year, it is so clear to me that I had nothing to be afraid of.
I have met some of the most open and kindest people so far and it didn't even take that much effort.
I didn't spend a ton of time trying to find the perfect roommate and instead went random. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made. My roommate is my absolute best friend at my school and we get along unbelievably well. Even though it was all up to chance as to whether or not we would like each other, all it took was a few conversations during our first weekend and we both realized how similar we are. She has been so supportive of me immediately and it's amazing to think that someone who hasn't known me for that long is already a close friend who I undoubtedly trust.
The people within my major have also been incredibly welcoming. The competition I thought I would face is basically nonexistent and we all help each other daily. Everyone was so open to meeting new people and making friends that we immediately tried to get to know one another well. Even the upperclassmen in my department have been more than willing to provide advice and introduce me to new people. I did not expect them to be at all open to helping the freshman like they have and it gives an overwhelming sense to realize that those around you genuinely care about your experiences, as they recently went through the same things.
Even the RA in my hall has been more than willing to help and support me. I have gone to her asking for all kinds of random college advice and she never fails to be a friend when I need one. She cares in a way I never would have expected, and so do all of the other people I've met so far. With all of the problems I've encountered in my first few weeks, I have consistently had multiple people to talk to and who will do just about anything to make my situation better. My fear of losing my childhood support system has quickly been discounted by gaining an entirely new community of amazing people.
The best part about my social experience so far in college is that I generally didn't have to force myself to be a total extrovert.
Yes, I had to experience a few uncomfortable situations and put myself out there in terms of meeting new people, but I also could simply agree to go out with people or to be introduced to friends of friends. You don't have to be super confident or outgoing to find a fun and loving group of new friends, especially in an environment such as a college campus.