Not having the time of your life at college? You're not alone.
Robert Medhurst spent most of his first week at university scrolling through digital networks, viewing updates about peers enjoying evenings out.
"I stayed indoors," Robert explains, 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 going to taster sessions for multiple organizations, he couldn't find people he connected with.
"I started to lose my self-esteem," he says. "I felt like individuals didn't desire to form friendships with me, or they weren't fond of me."
Online Network Judgments
Originally, Robert had no intention of going to university and received employment offers for following college.
However he saw his friends having great fun as university attendees on social media.
"When you've got to get up for employment on weekdays at the morning hour and you notice others went out on Wednesday night, you begin believing the grass is greener," Robert mentions.
College Anticipations
Television programs and social media can romanticize the concept of student life.
Many individuals begin university with strong assumptions for what they imagine could be the greatest period of their lives.
Certain attendees come to university with "idealistic views," explains a support services coordinator.
Research Results
- Through surveys of freshers in their first week, the main anxiety was finding their place and feeling included
- In another survey by market research agencies, nearly one-fifth of attendees said they were without companions at university
- A substantial portion mentioned they worried daily or weekly about making friends
Personal Journeys
Another student's social media content was full of videos of students enjoying themselves while cohabitating in college residences.
However when she relocated from her previous location to campus to study journalism, she found initial days "daunting" because of how much alcohol it involved.
She avoids drinking and had avoided party scenes before.
"I utilized considerable time initially within my living space," she says. "I just felt slightly disconnected."
Emotional Wellbeing Factors
In a 2025 survey of numerous university attendees, nearly one-third reported they contemplated leaving university.
The most common reason was psychological wellbeing, followed by monetary worries.
"Worry regarding these multiple factors is very widespread, and typical," adds a mental health professional.
Discovering Answers
Over periods, Robert, Alisha and Christina all found their feet and formed relationships.
She formed relationships through her course and via social media, while Christina felt happier when she could to relocate with companions.
Practical Advice
Regarding his experience, presently older and in his last year, it was engaging in performance groups and working occasionally that supported social connection.
His recommendation to first-year students struggling to socialize is to simply leave your accommodation and go to club and society taster events.
"Following several weeks of consistently showing up, others notice your presence," Robert says, "you notice their presence, and relationships start developing."