Hey everyone,

I am halfway through college now and both my high school and college experience, I enjoy learning: reading textbooks, working out homework and doing research. However, if I were to give myself a grade in terms of socializing I would give myself an F. I dread the fact that going to school involves having long-term relationships with people who are part of social circles.I tend to be very blunt with people and let them know that I don't accept any form of disrespect. However, this has cause me to develop a reputation in my school. Any way, most people would transfer, however, its too late for me since I am doing really well academically and I am too deep into my major.

What really bothers me is that: Am I here to learn or to interact with these people? Also, I don't want to be their friend, since that would put me at the bottom of their hierarchical structures plus they aren't adding anything to my life. I feel happier watching movies or playing games that trying to please people who for the most part are boring. 

Most people will tell you that the connections and friendships made in college end up far overshadowing the Piece of Paper in terms of importance. However it's perfectly reasonable to not want that sort of thing, especially if you're not finding the sort of people that mesh with you. I also find it hard to find friends that meet my emotional wants and that I want to give my time to. (Big introvert, right here.)

I'm not quite understanding how simply being someone's friend puts you at the bottom of anything though. Sometimes people just like to have friends because it's nice to have friends.

Education most of the time goes a lot better in environments you are socially comfortable with.

I am not a people person either and do not care to make friends with people. BUT you need to be respectful of people and not be so blunt, go with the flow a little but that does not mean you need to go really out of your way to be nice to them.

You need to be at least semi-sociable with people. A college degree is not a guranteed job anymore. I have a college degree and several certifications and it took me about 5 months to get a job and that was with the help of a professor I was close too. Now I have been working a while and everything is great :D

Some lessons can´t be learned on books, plus building good relationships can help you a lot once you need to go out there and get a job

If it weren't for the relations I have built with my peers and teachers, I probably wouldn't be as successful as I am right now.

Friendship isn't about placing people in hierarchical status. If the people you are around with are like that, then that's not friendship... : / It's just about hanging out with people and having fun : D There's no need to worry about judging or ranking people among friends. I'd say socializing with people is important and helps shapes the kind of person you become. I felt I wouldn't have experienced what I have without the people and friendships I have developed in my life. So I would say socializing is as important as learning.

An incredibly important part of education is social interaction, here is where you will meet friends for life, if you're antisocial to literally everyone throughout education that will just carry into adulthood. You don't want to be an adult that doesn't know how to make friends.

Having been on a large campus I found making friends and working with colleagues happened the same way as it did at primary and secondary schools day , some through general day today interaction others through shared interests. some by happenstance.
My advice join a club that you are truly interested in it might give you a basis for some socialising as well as being educational, let people into your interests and start noticing which people you find OK .
You do have to put something of your self out there and maybe shrink the personal shield by a few yards and don't be so defensive , that doesn't mean trying to fit in with every one and being every ones best friend.

I agree with OP ...

Education should be about making an investment towards one's future and that means learning, not socializing most of the time ...

You do not need long-term relationships with your peers or be their their friends.

Reputation ? College isn't high school so as long as you don't put any care for anyone else they will most likely do the same ...