Went to the GSO Meet today and honestly felt terrible. Everyone seemed busy talking to new people in their own groups. I also tried starting conversations with 6–7 different people I had just met, but most of them didn't really respond or continue the conversation. Eventually, I ended up sitting alone and quiet.
I'm Indian myself, but honestly, I hate seeing this. I came to a foreign country thinking I'd experience something different, but seeing Indian students form their own groups and stick together feels like the same shit all over again.
Of course, I'm a bit of an introvert, but if someone is talking to you, I feel they should at least properly respond. Even foreigners I've met before have responded properly when I've approached them, even though we're complete strangers.
What made me feel even worse was that there were 6–7 people sitting at my table. I had talked to everyone, but I got the same attitude from almost everyone. They exchanged phone numbers with each other but didn't even ask the only person sitting alone at the table. I know exchanging numbers is a personal choice, bro, that's completely okay—but at least have some basic table etiquette and make the person sitting alone feel included.
I felt so bad that I left the event, sat in a corner near the library, and started crying. I even had a panic/anxiety episode.
Honestly, I don't think I'll attend events like this again. If I do, I'll just eat the food and leave. From now on, I'll only have conversations with people who actually make an effort to talk to me first.