A student named Robert spent most of his first week at university scrolling through digital networks, seeing content about fellow students partying.
"I was just in bed," Robert remembers, characterizing that period as the loneliest time of his life.
His housemates rarely went out, and his course didn't feel very sociable.
Despite putting himself out there by going to taster sessions for various societies, he was unable to locate his people.
"I gradually lost my self-assurance," he says. "It seemed that individuals didn't desire to form friendships with me, or they didn't like me."
Social Media Comparisons
Originally, Robert had no intention of studying at university and received employment offers for after sixth form.
Yet he watched his acquaintances enjoying themselves as university attendees on social media.
"When you must rise for work on Thursday at 9:00 and you see someone's been out on Wednesday night, you begin believing situations appear superior," Robert explains.
University Expectations
Media content and online platforms can idealize the notion of student life.
Numerous students come to university with high expectations for what they believe could be the best years of their lives.
Some students come to university with "optimistic perspectives," says a mental health professional.
Survey Findings
- According to research of new students initially, the primary worry was finding their place and feeling included
- Additional research through polling organizations, nearly one-fifth of attendees said they were without companions at university
- Over one-third reported they felt anxious regularly about forming friendships
Personal Experiences
Alisha Miah's TikTok feed was full of videos of girls having fun while living together in student houses.
However when she transferred from her previous location to campus to study journalism, she found orientation period "overwhelming" because of how much alcohol it involved.
She abstains from alcohol and had avoided party scenes before.
"I actually passed much of orientation within my living space," she says. "I just felt a bit alienated."
Emotional Wellbeing Factors
In a 2025 survey of numerous college learners, 29% said they thought about dropping out.
The main cause was emotional state, succeeded by monetary worries.
"Concern over these multiple factors is extremely prevalent, and normal," notes a support specialist.
Finding Solutions
With time, the students eventually adapted and formed relationships.
Alisha made friends through her course and through TikTok, while Christina felt happier after being able to relocate with companions.
Helpful Recommendations
Regarding his experience, now 24 and in his last year, it was participating in theater activities and employment during studies that assisted in relationship building.
His recommendation to first-year students experiencing connection challenges is to simply leave your accommodation and go to club and society taster events.
"Subsequent to periods of regular attendance, people recognise your face," Robert says, "you notice their presence, and you start making friends."
