Hi and welcome. I never used to get lonely but ever since my cat died a little over a year ago, I get lonely. I have another kitty who is good company and have close friends and family. What I really need is a man in my life. But if I was going to look for new friends, I would join a Meetup.com group or you can reach out for friends on dating websites. I also try to befriend classmates on Facebook. When I am bored, like when my best friend is with her boyfriend, I watch videos on Facebook Watch or YouTube. Back to Facebook, I have made a few friends who I do stuff with. If you like true crime, you should join Websleuths.com. I made quite a few friends on there years ago and some of us got together for lunch one time. Some of us are still friends on Facebook. Anyway, good luck!

I used to make friends at work. Is there anyone at your job that you would want to be friends with? Sometimes, we can make friends with people that we wouldn't think of at first. Such as, an older person, or someone who we didn't think we'd have anything in common with. Maybe try to talk to some people at your job. Or at school.

It's great that you have roommates that you like, and they are now your new friends. Maybe ask them if they have other friends, and invite everyone over, like a party, and that way, you will meet those extended friends, too.

How brave you are to have moved so far from home for college! The way to make more friends is to be friendly and talk to everyone. Create social events, invite people to go to eat together or study together. Look people in the eyes and listen to them. Ask them about themselves and listen. People like to talk about themselves so listening and eye contact really help bond people. Go and do things by yourself. Even a walk around campus or to the gym. Or go out and study in the library. Make yourself do things outside of your comfort zone. Set a goal of saying hello to one new person per day. Ask classmates for the their phone number or email so you can share information about the class or the homework or whatever. Compliment them on something. You may have to really work hard to make new friends as people seem to have gotten used to social isolation with the pandemic. People are now kind of afraid to socialize or be around new people. It's just sort of weird.

On Daily Strength, respond to other people's posts. You may think you have nothing to add but practicing adding something kind and supportive will help you get out of your shell or comfort zone.

Oh, and join groups or clubs on campus. Go to the meetings and be friendly. Offer to help do tasks or take a leadership role. Pick 3 campus clubs and start going to them. Go to art events and dance events and that kind of thing. Go by yourself even if roommates are busy.

I feel I have to say this but do be careful with new people until you really know them much better. Scammers and narcissists like to look for lonely people to befriend. You can be friendly without trusting everyone right away. You can eat lunch or dinner with a new person without loaning them money or taking them back to your room.

Awww, yes I remember my first year of college and living in a dorm far away from home where family and friends were and I felt so alone. I found a part time job with the school and met some great friends through that job. It was part of my financial aid package.

As far as advice, I would say, join groups where there are like minded people. What are you interested in or do you have any hobbies? If you are a member of any faith then I am sure you will find them at school. Invite others to do things with you that pertain to the things you like doing. I went to the tennis court one hot day and watched them play. I asked around and told some people I was looking for a partner and I found one. He turned out to be the state champ and I lost every game but we became lifelong friends.

Try not to isolate yourself but stay busy and you will be fine.

God Bless