No matter how bright and well adjusted they are, your students are away from home and familiar friends, perhaps for the first time. They may be homesick. Just as when they were small, they need the assurance of your love, support, and belief in their abilities. On the contrary, in some ways it's easy to find a niche because the diversity of Cal's student body is reflected in its wide variety of student groups. Cal has 30,000 students, but the crew team has fewer than 30.
Hundreds live in the dorms, but just a few preside at dorm floor meetings.
Administration buildings may seem intimidating, but they house real people who care about students. Faculty members hold regular office hours to meet with students and get discouraged if no one shows up. Creating a niche through clubs or team sports is especially important if your students are shy or reserved. Students generally surmount these hurdles for themselves, but you can encourage them to join an interest group or intramural team. After being deeply involved in your students' lives for so many years, it is difficult to withdraw abruptly, and you shouldn't.