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One university attendee used up much of his first week at university scrolling through social media, reading posts about fellow students partying.

"I was just in bed," Robert explains, characterizing that period as the loneliest time of his life.

The people he lived with didn't go out much, and his course didn't feel particularly social.

Even though he made efforts by attending trial events for multiple organizations, he was unable to locate his people.

"I began losing my self-assurance," he says. "I felt like others weren't interested to become my friends, or they didn't like me."

Online Network Judgments

Originally, Robert didn't plan of attending college and received employment offers for post-secondary education.

However he watched his acquaintances enjoying themselves as college students online.

"When you must rise for employment on weekdays at the morning hour and you see someone's been out on midweek, you do start thinking others have it better," Robert says.

University Expectations

Media content and social media can glorify the idea of student life.

Numerous students arrive at college with great anticipations for what they imagine could be the greatest period of their lives.

Various learners begin their studies with "rose-tinted glasses," explains a counselling manager.

Study Outcomes

• In a poll of new students initially, the primary worry was belonging and finding acceptance
• Further studies through polling organizations, 17% of students said they were without companions at university
• Over one-third reported they experienced concern frequently about making friends

Personal Experiences

Another student's TikTok feed was populated with clips of students enjoying themselves while living together in college residences.

But when Alisha moved from London to Sheffield to study journalism, she found initial days "intense" because of the substance involvement 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 simply experienced a bit alienated."

Emotional Wellbeing Factors

In a 2025 survey of over ten thousand university attendees, 29% said they thought about withdrawing from studies.

The most common reason was psychological wellbeing, followed by monetary worries.

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

Discovering Answers

Eventually, the students gradually adjusted and built connections.

Alisha made friends during classes and via social media, while another student became more content after being able to move in with friends.

Practical Advice

Regarding his experience, currently in his mid-twenties and in his last year, it was participating in theater activities and working occasionally that helped him make friends.

The suggested approach to new attendees experiencing connection challenges is to venture outside your living space and attend organization sample activities.

"Following several weeks of continuous participation, others notice your presence," he explains, "you recognise theirs, and you start making friends."