If your DS struggled making friends through school, did improve at college?

[Tanya31]

My DS is in year 11. He's a little err eccentric! He's also gay and camp and not into anything sporty/fighting/football/mainstream stuff.
He has struggled to make friends and keep friends since primary school and all through high school.
He does get upset about it and is upset thinking he will have no friends for his 16th birthday.

He's going to a college (not connected to school) next September. Am desperately hoping he will find some friends there.

I'm worried he is going to be one of life's loners who doesn't fit in? He desperately wants to fit in.

Any stories of hope for me?

A resounding YES from me. The child gets to drop all the baggage that dogged them through high school, almost (not quite) but akin to, perhaps, reinventing themselves. This was our experience, certainly, the young adult 'found their tribe'. This was the non sporty one, btw. We tried many sports but in the end, if they are not sporty, they are not sporty.

NB we taught ours some card games, how to play chess, they found a Dungeons and Dragons weekly group to attend. They flourished at college.

Your lad sounds awesome, btw.

Mine is still at school but his social life is unrecognisable since he turned 16. He’s always out and his group of friends has mushroomed. Not sure why but I am really pleased for him.

My kids aren't that age yet, but I was the one with no friends at school. College was a complete game changer as I could shed a load of shit people and my friendships etc blossomed. Best thing that ever happened to me

Changing school part-way through year ten was a game-changed for my son, so I would imagine that the change of place into year 12 could well have the same effect for your son.