DS is 16 and has started a course which he really wanted to do at a specialist college. The course is currently part college based and part online due to Covid so he's only gone to college for a couple of days but already he's having his doubts which seem to boil down to being scared about not making friends, feeling like he's not part of the group already. He feels like he's just tagging along unwanted.
It doesn't help that he's probably one of the youngest in his year group (so maybe emotionally a bit younger?), only half the cohort are in at any point as they've split them to keep numbers down (but this means a smaller group to find friends in) but, most of all, DS doesn't see himself as one of the "cool/popular" kids. I think his insecurity here is holding him back.
He's honestly such a lovely lad, kind and empathetic but he's not very confident with other young people outside of his friendship group from school (none of which are going to this college).
How can I help him? What should I suggest?
I don't have a problem with him giving up if he decides it's the wrong course for him (which I don't think it is) but it would be a shame if he gave up because of this "friends/finding his tribe" issue.