soundmotor

I took my friends with me to my first year in college. Most of my senior class went to the same college so my freshman year was like senior HS year. Then I moved 3000 miles away and started out from scratch. I hadn't thought about this in years but I didn't make any new friends the entire time I was in college after I moved. Sure, I dated and had plenty of them, but I didn't move into any social circles that were college enabled. But I did make plenty of new friends.

I made them from the various jobs I was working. As I wasn't qualified to do much at that point in my life I was working at the Gap, a hospital in various departments such as messenger, cafeteria, pharmacy tech, etc. Those were the people I ended up socializing with. There were a few close friends that developed out of the various groups but mostly they were casual, social relationships. Groups going to the beach together, parties, movies, and so on. Not many of the group were dating each other so it was really just a big loose confederation of people with a common theme. We had work to bitch and laugh about. It was actually a really great phase for me.

Work situations force you to get to know people. Proximity and the often boring tasks will open people up. If I was in your position I believe I would look for a part-time gig somewhere like a Barnes & Noble or Newbury Comics music store. Anyplace where there are likely people close to my own age.

Don't be despondent, you'll get there. Social skills are something that you develop on your own and then practice. Getting into a new situation such as working with strangers will somewhat force you to do this. More so than school will in my view.

Good Luck!