🔗 Share this article

Robert Medhurst passed the majority of his freshers' week scrolling through online platforms, seeing content about fellow students partying.

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

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

Despite putting himself out there by going to taster sessions for multiple organizations, he was unable to locate his people.

"I began losing my self-assurance," he says. "I believed people didn't want to form friendships with me, or they didn't like me."

Social Media Comparisons

Initially, Robert had no intention of going to university and was offered positions for post-secondary education.

However he watched his acquaintances having great fun as students on Instagram.

"When you've got to get up for work on Thursday at the morning hour and you notice others went out on Wednesday night, you do start thinking others have it better," Robert says.

College Anticipations

Television programs and social media can romanticize the concept of university living.

Numerous students come to university with strong assumptions for what they think could be the greatest period of their lives.

Various learners arrive at college with "optimistic perspectives," explains a support services coordinator.

Research Results

• According to research of first-year attendees early on, students' biggest concern was belonging and feeling included
• In another survey through polling organizations, 17% of students said they lacked friendships at university
• 37% said they worried daily or weekly about making friends

Personal Experiences

Another student's TikTok feed was filled with content of peers socializing while sharing accommodation in student houses.

However when she transferred from London to Sheffield to learn reporting, she found initial days "intense" because of the substance involvement it involved.

Alisha doesn't drink and had never been clubbing before.

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

Emotional Wellbeing Factors

According to recent research of numerous university attendees, 29% said they had considered dropping out.

The most common reason was their mental and emotional health, followed by financial concerns.

"Worry regarding these multiple factors is very widespread, and expected," notes a mental health professional.

Finding Solutions

Eventually, Robert, Alisha and Christina eventually adapted and built connections.

She built connections during classes and using online platforms, while Christina felt happier once she was able to move in with friends.

Practical Advice

In his case, presently older and in his last year, it was engaging in performance groups and getting a part-time job that helped him make friends.

His recommendation to first-year students finding social interaction difficult is to venture outside your living space and attend organization sample activities.

"After a few weeks of consistently showing up, people recognise your face," he mentions, "you become familiar with them, and you start making friends."