Not having a fantastic time at uni? Many share your feelings.

Robert Medhurst spent most of his orientation week scrolling through social media, reading posts about peers enjoying evenings out.

"I was just in bed," Robert recalls, characterizing that period as the most isolated period of his life.

The people he lived with seldom socialized, and his studies didn't appear very sociable.

Even though he made efforts by going to taster sessions for various societies, he couldn't find his people.

"I started to lose my confidence," he says. "I felt like others weren't interested to form friendships with me, or they didn't like me."

Online Network Judgments

At first, Robert wasn't considering of attending college and was offered positions for after sixth form.

Yet he saw his friends having great fun as students on Instagram.

"When you've got to get up for your job during the week at 9:00 and you observe peers partied on Wednesday night, you do start thinking the grass is greener," Robert says.

University Expectations

Television programs and social media can romanticize the concept of student life.

Numerous students come to university with great anticipations for what they imagine could be the best years of their lives.

Some students arrive at college with "idealistic views," explains a support services coordinator.

Survey Findings

• Through surveys of new students initially, the primary worry was finding their place and feeling included
• In another survey conducted by analysts, a significant minority said they had no friends at university
• 37% said they felt anxious regularly about making friends

Personal Experiences

Alisha Miah's TikTok feed was populated with clips of peers socializing while living together in student houses.

Yet when Alisha moved from her previous location to campus to study journalism, she found initial days "intense" because of the substance involvement it involved.

She abstains from alcohol and had avoided party scenes before.

"I did spend a lot of freshers' week in my room," she says. "I merely sensed somewhat isolated."

Psychological Aspects

According to recent research of numerous undergraduate students, nearly one-third reported they contemplated dropping out.

The primary factor was their mental and emotional health, succeeded by monetary worries.

"Worry regarding these various aspects is extremely prevalent, and expected," adds a mental health professional.

Discovering Answers

With time, the students eventually adapted and developed friendships.

Alisha made friends during classes and using online platforms, while another student became more content when she could to relocate with companions.

Practical Advice

Regarding his experience, now 24 and in his concluding studies, it was engaging in performance groups and getting a part-time job that assisted in relationship building.

His recommendation to new attendees experiencing connection challenges is to venture outside your living space and go to club and society taster events.

"Subsequent to periods of consistently showing up, people recognise your face," he mentions, "you notice their presence, and friendships begin forming."