Today I returned to uni for some laboratory work after a year long pause. Because of Covid19 I have been studying from home for a year and now I finally got to return to the campus. I've been waiting for this to happen, but the problem is that I found myself to be completely out of touch socializing with other people.

During the year I studied from home I've been pretty much in social isolation since my friends live hundreds of kilometers away and we rarely get together anymore. I guess this year has greatly affected my ability to socialize with other people. Today was the most awkward day for me in a while. I couldn't really engage in conversations or find a good opening to voice my thoughts. I ended up working completely alone since there were uneven number of participants.

Otherwise it would have been easier for me but for some personal reasons I had to take a year off after my first year in uni. This is why I don't know anyone from the courses I'm taking now.

I wasn't great at socializing and getting to know people before COVID19 but I managed to face strangers and eventually made some friends. Compared to what my situation was before, I'm now really socially awkward and honestly even unable to hold a basic conversation. If I can't fix myself and end up alone for the next four years of uni it will be quite tough. I know what is it to be completely alone, since I was alone until high school, when I made my first friend. I don't want to things end up like that again.

I Just wanted to share my thoughts somewhere and spotted this site from my bookmarks so there you have it :)

Didn't have any advice, but I just wanna tell you we're on the same boat dude :"3

I heard the saying goes, "At least we're all alone together." I don't know if that's encouraging or just sad, but I always chuckled every time I recalled it.

dude thats bullshit

i cant take you seriously, and i cant give you an advice because you lack context, you just need start over again

what are you afraid for???

Hey, so i CAN take you seriously. I have anxiety so i understand the social awkwardness. What i will say is that your body/ mind was used to being alone for a long time. I think you'll need time to get your self back into it, so to speak.

we dont just bounce back because we want to. we have to build the muscle memory of socialization. Dont be so hard on yourself. like the second response said, youre not alone.

quick side note. I dont really enjoy socializing with people. im usually disappointed with the decisions ppl make. I personally dont mind it too much with the isolation. I give you credit for wanting to socialize with people. thats a really good first step, compared to me. give it a week or two. if things dont break up, try hanging out in friend making locations (lunch hall, gym, etc).

you got this OP. its going to be ok.

I feel you! Don't worry. A lot of people is struggling with the same stuff. Eventually it will get better. You can practice starting conversations with people, like asking something related to the class. Making jokes helps a lot too (not any jokes ofc, still related to class), makes people comfortable around you. Even if you think u look "dummy" you will stand out eventually and people will want to surround you. I hope this helps!