Hey there, all my life I have been surrounded by conservatives as I just finished high school at a right-wing catholic school and my entire family is republican. For some time I felt a bit alienated from my environment, but I ended up building great friendships with people whose political views aren’t unable for me to get past.
However I’m starting college in a few weeks and I’m attending an Ivy, I’m not gonna disclose which but it’s got a reputation for being very snobbish and I am afraid I will meet but frat guys with Epstein-vibes-dads and just people that I really do not identify with, and I don’t mean exclusively on the political sphere. I am very tolerant in regards to mental health matters, as I struggle with those myself, I’m a raging stoner and softcore psychonaut and I’m very naturally physically unattractive.
Maybe I shouldn’t have applied there in the first place, but I plan on going to medical school so I thought couldn’t not take the opportunity. Anyway any tips on how to survive 4 years of college away from my family and friends and surrounded by people I will potentially not be able to establish meaningful bonds with? And where do you suggest I try to meet friends instead (I’ll be out of state and on the opposite coast from home)
I know colleges tend to be very diverse by design, so I am aware that I am considering the worst case scenario that I think and hope won’t come to be, but as it is a possibility I’m trying to mentally prepare myself for what might be the loneliest time of my life. I mean I’m obviously keeping in touch with everyone, but I can’t help but think that that doesn’t replace fun parties and nights out especially because they will most likely be out there in their chosen colleges meeting new people.
So what do you suggest? Thanks in advance.
I'll second joining clubs. If you have any social hobbies that's often a good way to meet people, especially people who are drawn to that hobby for similar reasons. And even if your hobbies aren't especially social, pursuing interesting things will still give you interesting things to talk about, which helps when getting to know people. I don't have much experience with Ivies specifically, but take some time to explore the campus and the area. Find an alt weekly newspaper and see what's happening. There's often quite a lot going on in college towns.