Is it normal that i feel the need to talk to people as iam lonely?

Here's my problem. I am 27 years old guy n still preparing for an exam for specialisation in medicine. I am basically a loner n dont make close friends. I used to work at a hospital until March but I've resigned cuz I need to focus for this exam due in November.
My problem is, I feel this intense need to talk to someone, hear their stories n stuff. I don't have any friends with whom I can talk to. I am not in a relationship anymore since almost a year. I don't leave the house except for walks with my dog. But it kinda gets lonely n I guess since we're all social creatures we feel the need to talk to someone. IIN?