Failing to find a fantastic time at university? You're not alone.
Robert Medhurst spent most of his first week at university scrolling through social media, viewing updates about fellow students partying.
"I stayed indoors," Robert explains, describing the week as the most isolated period of his life.
Robert's flatmates didn't go out much, and his studies didn't appear particularly social.
Despite putting himself out there by going to taster sessions for different clubs, he didn't discover people he connected with.
"I began losing my confidence," he says. "I believed people didn't want to form friendships with me, or they didn't appreciate me."
Social Media Comparisons
Initially, Robert wasn't considering of attending college and was offered positions for after sixth form.
Yet he observed his peers living it up as students on Instagram.
"When you've got to get up for your job during the week at 9:00 and you notice others went out on midweek, you do start thinking the grass is greener," Robert says.
College Anticipations
Media content and social media can glorify the idea of college existence.
Many individuals begin university with strong assumptions for what they believe could be the most wonderful time of their lives.
Some students come to university with "optimistic perspectives," explains a mental health professional.
Research Results
- In a poll of first-year attendees early on, students' biggest concern was belonging and feeling included
- In another survey through polling organizations, 17% of students said they lacked friendships at university
- 37% said they experienced concern frequently about forming friendships
Personal Experiences
Alisha Miah's TikTok feed was full of videos of students enjoying themselves while living together in university housing.
But when she transferred from her previous location to campus to study journalism, she found freshers' week "intense" because of the drinking culture it involved.
She abstains from alcohol and had avoided party scenes before.
"I actually passed a lot of freshers' week inside my accommodation," she says. "I simply experienced slightly disconnected."
Emotional Wellbeing Factors
In a 2025 survey of more than 10,000 college learners, a significant portion mentioned they contemplated dropping out.
The main cause was their mental and emotional health, succeeded by monetary worries.
"Anxiety about these multiple factors is extremely prevalent, and normal," adds a counselling expert.
Discovering Answers
Eventually, Robert, Alisha and Christina eventually adapted and built connections.
She formed relationships through her course and using online platforms, while another student became more content after being able to relocate with companions.
Helpful Recommendations
In his case, presently older and in his concluding studies, it was engaging in performance groups and working occasionally that assisted in relationship building.
Robert's advice to first-year students struggling to socialize is to venture outside your living space and attend organization sample activities.
"Subsequent to periods of regular attendance, others notice your presence," Robert says, "you recognise theirs, and you start making friends."
