Hmm ok, it's a shame that he doesn't understand :( I'm also going into my second year! Yeah I think most people still go to freshers anyway because it's fun and drinks are cheap. If you're struggling to speak to someone, you should also improve on other areas of your speech. > I now exclusively write down my orders on my phone notepad Stop that habit right now, try to get back into the swing of talking to as many people as you can. Small things like answering the phone, ordering food over the phone and asking for help over tiny things (like if you're in a supermarket and want to know where a certain item is) makes a huge difference - at least it has to me and my confidence and I see no reason why it wouldn't to you. Sorry that I can't really help anymore, but from my experience now you've just got to put yourself out there a little which is so much easier said than done.