Brothers and sisters, I really need a suggestion. I’m a total introvert, and I’ve just completed grades 11 and 12. Academically, things were okay, but my daily life was extremely boring and lonely.

In grade 11, I changed my section because I switched from the biology group to computer science. There were around 20 sections, and when I joined a new one, most students were already close to each other. Being an introvert, I couldn’t mix in easily. Grade 11 was manageable—I had a few mates—but the connection was never very strong.

When I reached grade 12, things became worse. Those few friends I had started forming new friend circles, and I was left alone. I didn’t even feel like going to college because of how lonely I felt. I didn’t talk to people, and they didn’t talk to me either. I skipped many classes—there wasn’t a single week in grade 12 where I didn’t miss at least one or two days.

Even during breaks, especially the one-hour interval, I was always alone. I didn’t have anyone to go to the canteen with or even sit and talk to. I would often just sit by myself, talking to myself. This loneliness affected me deeply.

I was always good academically, but the lack of social connection slowly affected my studies too. Even when board exams were near, I couldn’t focus. There were days when I didn’t study anything until 9 or 10 p.m. In Physics, where I used to score 60–65 easily, I ended up getting exactly 30—the passing mark. That was the lowest I had ever scored.

Now I’ve joined my bachelor’s degree in engineering. One of my old friends—from grades 4 to 10—joined the same college. I’ve been spending most of my time with him. However, he plans to go to Australia soon for work, and I’m afraid that when he leaves, I’ll be alone again. Meanwhile, other students are already forming their own groups.

It’s only been about one to two weeks since college started, but I already feel that familiar fear of being left out again. I don’t know what to do or how to handle this situation.

I really need guidance—because I don’t want to repeat the same lonely phase again.