Struggling to have a fantastic time at uni? You're not alone.
One university attendee passed the majority of his orientation week scrolling through social media, viewing updates about peers enjoying evenings out.
"I stayed indoors," Robert recalls, depicting those days as the loneliest time of his life.
Robert's flatmates seldom socialized, and his course didn't feel very sociable.
Although he tried by attending trial events for different clubs, he didn't discover his people.
"I started to lose my self-assurance," he says. "I felt like individuals didn't desire to be friends with me, or they weren't fond of me."
Digital Platform Contrasts
At first, Robert had no intention of studying at university and had a job offer for following college.
Yet he observed his peers living it up as university attendees on social media.
"When you must rise for employment on weekdays at 9:00 and you see someone's been out on midweek, you begin believing others have it better," Robert says.
University Expectations
Television programs and online platforms can idealize the notion of college existence.
Lots of people begin university with great anticipations for what they believe could be the most wonderful time of their lives.
Some students begin their studies with "rose-tinted glasses," says a counselling manager.
Study Outcomes
- In a poll of new students initially, the primary worry was belonging and feeling included
- In another survey by market research agencies, nearly one-fifth of attendees said they were without companions at university
- A substantial portion mentioned they felt anxious regularly about forming friendships
Individual Stories
Another student's social media content was populated with clips of peers socializing while sharing accommodation in college residences.
However when she transferred from her previous location to campus to study journalism, she found initial days "overwhelming" because of the drinking culture it involved.
Alisha doesn't drink and had not experienced nightlife before.
"I did spend considerable time initially in my room," she says. "I just felt a bit alienated."
Psychological Aspects
In a 2025 survey of numerous college learners, a significant portion mentioned they had considered dropping out.
The most common reason was their mental and emotional health, succeeded by monetary worries.
"Anxiety about these various aspects is very widespread, and expected," adds a mental health professional.
Finding Solutions
Eventually, the students eventually adapted and developed friendships.
Alisha made friends during classes and through TikTok, while another student became more content once she was able to relocate with companions.
Helpful Recommendations
Regarding his experience, now 24 and in his last year, it was participating in theater activities and getting a part-time job that supported social connection.
The suggested approach to first-year students experiencing connection challenges is to venture outside your living space and go to club and society taster events.
"After a few weeks of regular attendance, people recognise your face," he mentions, "you recognise theirs, and you start making friends."