Not having a fantastic time at uni? You are not the only one.
Robert Medhurst spent most of his orientation week browsing through digital networks, seeing content about other students' fun nights out.
"I remained in my room," Robert explains, depicting those days as the loneliest time of his life.
Robert's flatmates seldom socialized, and his studies didn't appear particularly social.
Although he tried by attending trial events for various societies, he was unable to locate like-minded individuals.
"I gradually lost my self-assurance," he says. "I felt like people didn't want to form friendships with me, or they didn't like me."
Online Network Judgments
Originally, Robert didn't plan of attending college and received employment offers for following college.
But then he watched his acquaintances living it up as college students online.
"When you must rise for employment on weekdays at nine in the morning and you see someone's been out on midweek, you begin believing the grass is greener," Robert says.
University Expectations
Television programs and online platforms can romanticize the concept of college existence.
Numerous students begin university with strong assumptions for what they believe could be the best years of their lives.
Various learners arrive at college with "idealistic views," notes a mental health professional.
Study Outcomes
- Through surveys of first-year attendees early on, the primary worry was belonging and finding acceptance
- Further studies by market research agencies, 17% of students said they had no friends at university
- 37% said they experienced concern frequently about building relationships
Personal Experiences
Alisha Miah's social media content was populated with clips of girls having fun while sharing accommodation in university housing.
But when she transferred from London to Sheffield to study journalism, she found orientation period "overwhelming" because of the drinking culture it involved.
She avoids drinking and had avoided party scenes before.
"I utilized considerable time initially inside my accommodation," she says. "I simply experienced somewhat isolated."
Mental Health Considerations
In a 2025 survey of over ten thousand college learners, 29% said they contemplated dropping out.
The primary factor was emotional state, accompanied by monetary worries.
"Worry regarding these various aspects is very widespread, and expected," explains a support specialist.
Discovering Answers
Eventually, all three individuals eventually adapted and formed relationships.
Alisha made friends during classes and using online platforms, while Christina felt happier once she was able to relocate with companions.
Helpful Recommendations
Regarding his experience, now 24 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 first-year students experiencing connection challenges is to simply leave your accommodation and participate in group trial sessions.
"Subsequent to periods of continuous participation, others notice your presence," he mentions, "you recognise theirs, and friendships begin forming."