Struggling to have an amazing experience at university? You're not alone.

Robert Medhurst passed the majority of his first week at university browsing through digital networks, viewing updates about fellow students partying.

"I was just in bed," Robert explains, characterizing that period as the most solitary phase 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 participating in sample activities for different clubs, he didn't discover people he connected with.

"I gradually lost my confidence," he says. "I felt like people didn't want to form friendships with me, or they didn't appreciate me."

Social Media Comparisons

Originally, Robert didn't plan of going to university and was offered positions for after sixth form.

However he watched his acquaintances living it up as college students online.

"When you've got to get up for employment on weekdays at 9:00 and you see someone's been out on the previous evening, you do start thinking the grass is greener," Robert says.

University Expectations

Television programs and online platforms can glorify the idea of college existence.

Numerous students begin university with strong assumptions for what they believe could be the most wonderful time of their lives.

Various learners arrive at college with "rose-tinted glasses," says a mental health professional.

Research Results

• In a poll of freshers in their first week, students' biggest concern was finding their place and being accepted
• Further studies through polling organizations, 17% of students said they were without companions at university
• Over one-third reported they worried daily or weekly about making friends

Personal Experiences

Alisha Miah's TikTok feed was populated with clips of peers socializing while sharing accommodation in college residences.

But when Alisha moved from her hometown to university to study journalism, she found initial days "intense" because of the drinking culture it involved.

She abstains from alcohol and had not experienced nightlife before.

"I did spend much of orientation within my living space," she says. "I just felt somewhat isolated."

Psychological Aspects

In a 2025 survey of over ten thousand university attendees, nearly one-third reported they thought about withdrawing from studies.

The main cause was psychological wellbeing, succeeded by monetary worries.

"Concern over these multiple factors is massively common, and typical," explains a mental health professional.

Identifying Resolutions

Eventually, all three individuals all found their feet and built connections.

Alisha made friends through her course and via social media, while the individual experienced improvement after being able to share accommodation with peers.

Useful Suggestions

In his case, presently older and in his final year, it was joining his university's drama society and getting a part-time job that assisted in relationship building.

Robert's advice to first-year students struggling to socialize is to venture outside your living space and participate in group trial sessions.

"Following several weeks of regular attendance, people recognise your face," Robert says, "you become familiar with them, and you start making friends."