@The O.P. A lot of young people tend to be really judgemental and close minded. They are often selfish and most of them would rather be around a loud, fun, and outgoing person who can make them laugh.

I can relate to what you wrote. I also had a hard time making friends most of my life. Even now in my 40's, it's still a bit of a struggle for me to fit in and find friends who'll stick around until they find a guy or someone more "fun" or outgoing to talk to, ugh!

From what you wrote, you sound very unsure of yourself. Maybe if you're to quiet and you keep to yourself to much, people might assume that you don't want to talk to them? Idk. Try talking to other people first and ask them questions about themselves. Try to find some common ground such as talking about classes. Give people genuine compliments. If someone's outfit or hair looks nice, or you like their earrings, then tell them that. Listen more than you talk, and never ever interrupt people. Also, act interested in what they have to say and don't do stuff like check your phone when talking to people as that's rude.

Try to smile more and not use guarded body language such as looking away or crossing your arms. Read stuff online about how to make friends. If there is a meetup.com in your area, join a few. I've made a few friends that way. Also, maybe it's better to talk to people one on one instead of in groups as it'll be way less intimidating that way. Try to talk to another person who is also quiet who appears to be lonely too.

I know that it's hard to make friends when you're unsure of being liked or not. Not everyone will like you. If they don't respond back to you, then don't take things personally. Some people might not think that you have much in common with them even though they think that you seem nice to them. Or maybe they're not really looking to make new friends, who knows?

Maybe you'll become more confident as you get older. Try talking to store clerks more when they talk to you like I did. You need to gain confidence. Try to talk about stuff that interests them. If someone tries to talk to me about something I don't care about, I won't really want to talk to them much anymore. So focus on common ground like I said.

If you have any bad habits such as asking to many questions and not being able to tell when people don't want to answer something, or end a conversation, then pay more attention to social cues and body language. Also, if you tend to talk to much about yourself, or your problems, or you offer tmi, that tends to put a lot of people off too. Don't be negative to often. ESPECIALLY with NEW people! That is crucial! Keep things light hearted until you've gotten to know them for a few months at least! I've been known to be a Debbie Downer for a long time, and I didn't even realize it until a few years ago!

Try to act more confident as most people tend to be put off by people who lack confidence. It sucks, but that's the way that most people are. You don't need to be outgoing, but don't act like you need their approval to much or you'll repel people. It took me years to realize that. Not sure why that is, that's just how most people are. Good luck with everything!