Struggling to have an amazing experience at university? Many share your feelings.
A student named Robert used up much of his first week at university scrolling through social media, viewing updates about other students' fun nights out.
"I remained in my room," Robert recalls, describing the week as the loneliest time of his life.
The people he lived with seldom socialized, and his program didn't seem particularly social.
Even though he made efforts by participating in sample activities for different clubs, he didn't discover people he connected with.
"I began losing my confidence," he says. "I believed individuals didn't desire to be friends with me, or they weren't fond of me."
Social Media Comparisons
At first, Robert had no intention of attending college and had a job offer for following college.
Yet he watched his acquaintances living it up as college students online.
"When you must rise for work on Thursday at the morning hour and you see someone's been out on the previous evening, you do start thinking situations appear superior," Robert explains.
College Anticipations
Television programs and social media can glorify the idea of student life.
Many individuals begin university with strong assumptions for what they think could be the most wonderful time of their lives.
Various learners come to university with "idealistic views," says a counselling manager.
Research Results
- In a poll of freshers in their first week, students' biggest concern was belonging and finding acceptance
- In another survey by market research agencies, nearly one-fifth of attendees said they were without companions at university
- 37% said they felt anxious regularly about making friends
Personal Journeys
Another student's social media content was filled with content of students enjoying themselves while living together in university housing.
But when she relocated from her hometown to university to learn reporting, she found orientation period "overwhelming" because of how much alcohol it involved.
She abstains from alcohol and had avoided party scenes before.
"I utilized considerable time initially within my living space," she says. "I simply experienced somewhat isolated."
Mental Health Considerations
In a 2025 survey of over ten thousand college learners, a significant portion mentioned they had considered withdrawing from studies.
The most common reason was their mental and emotional health, followed by monetary worries.
"Concern over these multiple factors is extremely prevalent, and expected," explains a support specialist.
Identifying Resolutions
Eventually, Robert, Alisha and Christina all found their feet and built connections.
She built connections during classes and through TikTok, while Christina felt happier when she could to share accommodation with peers.
Useful Suggestions
For Robert, presently older and in his concluding studies, it was engaging in performance groups and getting a part-time job that helped him make friends.
The suggested approach to new attendees finding social interaction difficult is to venture outside your living space and attend organization sample activities.
"After a few weeks of regular attendance, others notice your presence," he explains, "you recognise theirs, and friendships begin forming."
