Have you ever pulled out your phone and pretended to use it just so you don’t appear to be alone? I see students doing this exact same thing around campus literally everyday–myself included. Sometimes students might begin to feel lonely once the semester starts to pick up even though they’re surrounded by people all the time. You might find yourself feeling alone because your friends have conflicting schedules, they spend too much time with their significant other, or just the fact that you’re miles away from home and your family.

Most of the time it’s usually a whole combination of these things, but I am here to reassure you there are things you can do to avoid feeling that way!

1. You Are Not Alone

*starts singing Michael Jackson song*

 Even though everyone has their own reasons as to why they might experience their feelings of loneliness, it’s definitely something everyone goes through at some point in their years in college. It does not matter how many “friends” you have or how popular someone is, feelings of solitude and isolation can sneak up on anyone.  

2. STAY OUT OF YOUR ROOM!

I know that may sound weird but seriously try to spend the least amount of time possible inside of your room. If you stay locked up in your room, you’re only causing more harm to yourself. Spending time in common areas around campus like the libraries, student centers, and maybe the common living areas of where you live, will definitely help you meet people who might also need some companionship. Just putting yourself out there can help you see more familiar faces when walking around campus.

3. Stop the RBF (resting bitch face)

This is honestly the one thing I struggle with so much. Everyone who takes a glance at me just going about my day will 100% think I’m the biggest bitch that has ever lived. But seriously I can’t help it– it’s just my face and I don’t know how to fix it sometimes. However, I have learned to smile every once in a while because too many people have called me out on it and I got tired of everyone just assuming I’m this mean person when in reality I am not at all! (at least I think I’m not). I also know a lot of my friends were almost scared to approach me or just say hi because they did not know if i wanted to be bothered or not– which was not the case at all. 

But yeah, next time you catch yourself looking angry or annoyed for no apparent reason, remember to smile every once in a while! You want people to think you’re an approachable, friendly person.. not a troll.

 

4. Call home

Just because you’re in college and living in your own space, thinking you’re all grown.. it doesn’t mean you can’t call your parents and ask them how they are doing. If you do this I guarantee you will make your parents’ day/night.  Even though I keep saying your parents, it definitely isn’t only limited to them. I think just calling anyone from back home in general is very helpful. I personally prefer calling my grandma over my parents. Every time I speak with her on the phone I just forget about all the stresses that college brings forth and catch up on each other’s lives.

5. Look for Extracurriculars 

Yes, I know you might think this one line follows you everywhere you go. I definitely have heard everyone tell me this in middle school, highschool, and I still have people telling me this in college. I know it’s such a cliché but it makes all the difference in the world. By joining different clubs, organizations, and even greek life, you’re exposing yourself to different people and opportunities. I actually didnt join anything my first year of college and I don’t regret anything more than that. But I joined a few clubs this year and by doing so you will meet people who share your common interests

 

Lastly, just remember even though everyone might seem happy and like they’re having the time of their lives on instagram, snapchat, twitter, etc… they might be feeling the same lonely, and empty feelings as you. With that being said I honestly hope these tips will help you conquer any feelings of isolation you might be dealing with.