How do you make the most of your college experience?

Two things: 1. Your strong relationship with your boyfriend probably interferes with your ability to make other friends. It may be more than worth the tradeoff, but that's almost certainly a piece of the puzzle. If you have a single person you spend an awful lot of time with, you won't spend the "quantity time" it takes to meet new people and become close with them. Since you've been with him most of the time you've been in college, that's got to be a factor. 2. A lot of people have unrealistic expectations of what college will be like, which is probably why so many of them are depressed when they actually have a perfectly good situation. That all said, to me, it was just hanging around the dorms which was the best situation for making close friends, not activities.

I think you are very fortunate to have an amazing boyfriend. College is a pretty competitive place depending on your major. Sometimes people who seem to be your friends are just trying to one up you so you need to be careful and not allow yourself to become disappointed in humanity. It sounds selfish but if I were you, I would not try to be Miss Popularity, just try to be all you can be through your own hard work and effort. You may not seem to have that entourage around you but you will be finding out what you are made of and not just how well you can get the low down on campus gossip. After all college is just as much about book learning as it is self-discovery. In the end, people will admire you for your tenacity, determination and strength of character. As the saying goes, "it is lonely at the top." Pick your poison and go for it!

I'm glad you said this, I thought it was just me. While I was in college I believe I made ONE true friend, that I still keep in contact with to this day. I think a lot of college friendships become rooted when you are a freshman, and everyone seems very aloof after that. Did you stay on campus or off campus your first year? I believe this make a big difference, I lived off campus my whole college career, and I had a few acquaintances and was invited to a "few" parties and social events. My sister on the other hand lived in a dorm her first two years at college and she has made some really close friendships with a lot of the girls that lived on her floor. Several years later they have remained to be her close girlfriends. I applaud you for making an effort in putting yourself in more social situations. I did the same thing while in college joined clubs and whatnot, but I still (like you said) felt something missing. Maybe being in a serious relationship may have held you back as well. I know while I was in college I spent ALOT of time with my high school sweetheart during that time. We're married now, and I feel like I am JUST NOW building a social life outside of our little circle. I believe it is healthy for couples to have their own friends. You need to have a night with the ladies and your man needs to have a night with the guys. You seem like a nice person, someone will be lucky to have you as a friend...you just got to be patient.

Make a rule that you will talk to at least 3 new people everyday (even if its just saying hi) attend at least 2 social events every week go to the gym every other day and try something new there join IM sports Take a class just for fun Go to a parties where you dont know anybody Get a job move closer to school!

i already finished college, and know what? it's really important for a person to meet people and have friends. sometimes, it might land you a good job for being a friend to someone. though its good that your focus on your stuies but a person is more than academics. you should balance your time well. dont choose who you'll meet. but once you meet a lot of people, choose from there who you want to be close with. and being close doesn't mean saying Hi and Hello but a sharing of one's experiences and your life. good luck!

For me, the biggest experience was just to dorm and be exposed to so many different people on a 24-7 basis which eventually broke down my sense of shyness. I would say what you are missing is the social network of college. Granted, studies are important, but so is making connections--business connections, really--for your future. Many of the people you go to school with will lead successful lives and being friends with them may give you more opportunities career-wise (or even just life). But if you are truly unable to participate in activities, talk to classmates, etc, then just enjoy what you have. Seems like you are getting a lot done. How about using Facebook and messaging classmates? Getting a job on campus?

I graduated from college 2 years ago but I think my situation was similar to yours. I went to school 2.5 hours from home and upon entering my freshman year knew no one. It wasn't until my sophmore year when I lived in a house with 4 other people that I finally felt comfortable. I too am very shy and tend to have only a few close friends. My best advice is let go of your inhibitions and I don't mean go out get drunk and become slutty. I mean remember this is only a few years of your life and chances are you won't see most of these people every again. Take risks, talk to people you wouldn't otherwise talk to. Make small talk in class with new classmates. If someone rejects your attempts at friendship blow it off, because most likely you'll never see them again in a year, semester, or day. This can be difficult being shy so take your boyfriend along he might make these situations a little more comfortable. Attend events at your school and appear outgoing. And probably one of the easiest ways as someone already suggested would be to start a study group and ask people out for pizza or a drink afterward. Take baby steps at first and everything will fall into place.

GRADUATING is the way to make the most of your college experience

It sounds like you're pretty comfortable in your relationship. Going out and meeting new people when you are in that situation is really hard to do unless you make an effort. My advice would be to try to go to the parties/events that you're invited to and maybe leave the boyfriend behind once and awhile.