Struggling to have an amazing experience at university? You're not alone.
A student named Robert passed the majority of his orientation week looking at social media, viewing updates about other students' fun nights out.
"I remained in my room," Robert recalls, depicting those days as the most isolated period of his life.
Robert's flatmates didn't go out much, and his program didn't seem particularly social.
Despite putting himself out there by attending trial events for multiple organizations, he couldn't find people he connected with.
"I gradually lost my self-esteem," he says. "I believed others weren't interested to form friendships with me, or they didn't appreciate me."
Digital Platform Contrasts
Originally, Robert didn't plan of attending college and received employment offers for after sixth form.
However he observed his peers enjoying themselves as university attendees on social media.
"When you need to wake up for work on Thursday at nine in the morning and you observe peers partied on midweek, you do start thinking situations appear superior," Robert says.
University Expectations
Media content and online platforms can glorify the idea of student life.
Lots of people begin university with strong assumptions for what they imagine could be the best years of their lives.
Some students arrive at college with "optimistic perspectives," says a counselling manager.
Research Results
- Through surveys of freshers in their first week, the primary worry was finding their place and finding acceptance
- Additional research conducted by analysts, 17% of students said they were without companions at university
- Over one-third reported they worried daily or weekly about forming friendships
Individual Stories
A different attendee's TikTok feed was full of videos of students enjoying themselves while sharing accommodation in college residences.
Yet when she relocated from her previous location to campus to learn reporting, she found orientation period "daunting" because of the drinking culture it involved.
She avoids drinking and had never been clubbing before.
"I utilized much of orientation inside my accommodation," she says. "I just felt somewhat isolated."
Emotional Wellbeing Factors
In a 2025 survey of more than 10,000 university attendees, 29% said they contemplated withdrawing from studies.
The primary factor was psychological wellbeing, succeeded by financial concerns.
"Anxiety about all of these different things is extremely prevalent, and expected," adds a counselling expert.
Discovering Answers
Over periods, the students gradually adjusted and formed relationships.
She built connections through her course and using online platforms, while Christina felt happier after being able to move in with friends.
Practical Advice
Regarding his experience, currently in his mid-twenties and in his last year, it was joining his university's drama society and working occasionally that supported social connection.
The suggested approach to beginning learners struggling to socialize is to just "get out of your room" and participate in group trial sessions.
"Following several weeks of continuous participation, people recognise your face," Robert says, "you notice their presence, and relationships start developing."
