Oh, good question. I don’t know if it’s from COVID — it’s a possibility. But how courageous is your son to go to college not really knowing anybody? To me, that’s impressive. Kudos to him. I wonder about roommates, about activities at the school — maybe a club or sport he could get involved in. That’s a good place to start.
We’re talking about a college-aged student who’s just left home, trying to figure out the next phase of life. That’s hard, especially when you’ve left the comfort and protection of home — mom’s cooking, dad’s cooking — and now you’re on your own. We should validate that.
Many universities are aware of this challenge. Some have peer mentor programs so students can connect and get support if they’re struggling. You might look into whether his university offers something like that, or check for social activities in his dorm, apartment, or on campus.
Another key is helping your child give voice to what they’re feeling. It’s okay for them to say, “I want to come home.” But you might encourage them to focus on finishing the semester — to face the hard things and see them through. Tell them, “I’m here to support you, and we can talk as much as you need.”
You can also encourage them to get to know roommates or neighbors, and to find common interests. Sometimes the best connections come from people in their classes — inviting someone to study together can be a simple, powerful way to build friendships.
Studying with peers helps college students feel less alone — they’re learning and struggling together, which builds community and confidence.
