OP - I am very sorry for your experience. I don't have advice for your current situation other than to say it is almost over!!! Uni is the opportunity for a totally fresh start! I hope you're going someplace far away from your college so there will be all fresh faces. So, yes it is a fresh start, but it will require a significant amount effort on your part, don't underestimate that part. Make sure that that you, if at all possible, live in the student accommodation of your uni. Get involved in you hall!!! Play sports for the hall - silly sports like dodge ball etc - you don't have to be an athlete, volunteer for hall committees etc. When you are a fresher you are going to have to issue invitations (to go for coffee, pizza etc.) and keep issuing them even if you feel your not getting invitations in return - I promise they will start coming back to you eventually you just have to trust that. Invite different people you meet and have even a quick chat with to meet for coffee or whatever. As far as drinking it is definitely a way to be social at uni but if that isn't for you then during the evenings of freshers week when everyone is out at events/drinking walk around your accommodation and see who else is there - they most likely are going to be like minded people about drinking. Ask those people to hang out. "Hey since everyone is out why don't we order pizza" It might be a good idea to leave your door open during that time too so others can see you're in your room and may reach out to you. Definitely join clubs but don't just join them..... GO to them!!! Then go to the next meeting and the next and you'll start seeing familiar faces and friendships will form. It is not easy and it does take time so don't expect a best friend or a whole group of friends in the first month (or even two - just being honest) but if you are persistent it will work out. I agree with the FAKE it till you MAKE it - it actually works. Act confident, smile, be happy (even if you're quaking on the insides) because that is what people will see and think you are and who doesn't want to be friends with confident, smiling, happy people? With effort on your part uni is going to be a much, much better experience for you. Best of Luck!