Feeling kind of lost

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Hello, I'm new to this site, although I've been looking anonymously for a few months now. As a freshmen, I've now gone through a couple days of classes here at college, and I'm starting to question my abilities. I'm going through a graphic design course. It's looking kind of intimidating, but I'm thinking I'll get over that part.

My problem is related to my social status. Like many of you who've gone through grade school, I my autism became more apparent to me as I got through middle and high school. I really only talked to classmates in high school due to being assigned as partners, or because it was courteous. People would try to engage me in conversation, or sit next to me in lunch, but I never really had anything to say, and I felt their actions were more from pity. College is an entirely different experience.

At home, I at least had family and more distant relatives to talk to. But here, I'm feeling kind of lost. I try to talk with my roommate some, if for no other reason than we're shoved in the same room together for at least a few months. Otherwise, the only conversation I make is a simple "hello," or shallow question about classes or the campus. I haven't mentioned this to anyone(my roommate doesn't know I'm autistic) and calling family just makes me want to go back home.

Sometimes, my roommate will playfully remark that it I don't talk, I'll "make him depressed." I know this must be awkward for him too, so I'm wondering: How can I come up with things to talk about, so keep mine and his sanity during this semester? (I'm looking into school clubs, but have yet to join them)

Welcome to WP Joining clubs is always a good idea. What classes does your roommate have? If one of his classes seems interesting, complex, or otherwise discussion worthy, maybe try asking him what it's like, why he chose that class, etc. I'm not skilled in the art of starting conversations myself, but I think this approach could lead to some meaningful discussion. Best of luck!

ask him what his favorite vacation was and why, his favorite book, movie, kind of music, favorite age, favorite teacher - you get the idea.

Well, firstly, don't be too hard on yourself - leaving familiar surroundings is in and of itself a major life adjustment, these things will take time.
Secondly, I'm not sure how you feel about seeing a therapist, but hopefully your campus has a support program in place - find out, because it's good to at least get to know them before you are overwhelmed with university related stress.
Thirdly, do some background reading on what clubs and societies are on offer at the University and see if there is anything you're interested in - I mean, Aspies tend to have lots of really specific interests, and universities are a good place to indulge in them!
Lastly, try being open with your roommate about what is going on - and give them a chance to process it mentally.
Good luck though - I hope everything works out for you and most importantly, focus on your studies - that's what you're there for

Don't be too hard on yourself...I felt the exact same way after a couple days at university.

It takes time - it was a few months before I really developed my first friendship at university, with a guy who lived down the hall in residence. By the end of the year I had several friends. Just be patient, and follow the tips posted above, and you'll be fine.

I guess things haven't improved too much for me... I'm really starting to procrastinate on my homework. I just seem to spend a lot of my free time surfing the internet. I don't really talk too much to people, including my roommate. He and other people from the floor seem to go to parties, which isn't the sort of activity I enjoy. I can't seem to will myself to join clubs, or seek out other people, and ask them to do things with me.

My parents, whom I love dearly, don't really seem to help me out much. My mother, when she calls, tends to ask me questions about friends, much as she did in person while I was in high school. When she's on the subjects, always says how I should be making friends, going out to places, and talking and socializing more. She says my lack of socialization worries her. All these conversations ever seem to manage to do is wear me down, and put me in a rather depressing mood. It really does nothing otherwise. Any advice she gives to me about socializing seems to sound like what Opie would be doing on the Andy Griffith Show. My father is a bit less of a problem in this way. He's a busy man fighting through health issues to work on the family farm. I won't get more specific than that, since they really wouldn't like me posting this on the web. I'm really not sure where to go, or who to turn to.

I guess all I can do for now is get a handle on my homework, I'm doing alright in class anyway.

Sweet Pea hugs