We go through life in stages. When we're born, our parents can't wait until we can walk and talk; once we can do both, it's time for elementary school; then middle school; then high school; and then there's college: the beginning of our adult lives.
Most of us went to high school with people we knew all of our lives. They knew us so well, it was almost annoying. We might have even been friends with people we hated, just because there was no way of escaping. Until college. College was the escape. Everyone says it's a fresh start; you don't need to be friends with anyone you don't want to. You can cut off all the people you used to know, and it will be fine, because college is a whole new atmosphere.
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Don't let Snapchat stories and Twitter posts fool you: making friends in college is hard. There's no easy way to transition from knowing everyone and never really being alone to knowing no one and always being alone. You will miss your high school friends more than you thought, and you will appreciate their existence more than you ever have.
So, no, it's not easy to just cut off everyone you used to know. In my experience, I have probably spoken more to each of my closest friends in my week of being in college than I had the entire month of July. We get lonely, and it's easier to talk to people who have known you for a while about life than it is to talk to someone you've known for a week outside of the internet. So don't be afraid to stay in one night and FaceTime a friend. If you miss someone, call them. Everyone's busy but leaving a message is still a nice reminder that you're thinking of them.
Though the reality of college may prove to be difficult, don't let the loneliness take over you. It's hard to make friends in college, but it isn't impossible. Every freshmen is dealing with the same issues-- no one doesn't miss someone. Don't be afraid to go out and talk to people! Find your niche in big universities. Join clubs, athletics, anything that will make your school seem a little smaller. When you say you're going to join something, do it! Don't back out at the last minute, because if you do, the only person you're hurting is yourself.
Truthfully, I still haven't made many friends in college. It's scary because everyone already seems to have a group, but it's only been a week. The adjustment will get easier, and as corny as it sounds, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Don't forget that you are not alone in your feelings! Talk to your high school friends, your roommate, and/or your parents. It's okay to be homesick, but don't suffer in silence. Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it.
