Not having the time of your life at college? You are not the only one.

One university attendee passed the majority of his freshers' week browsing through online platforms, seeing content about peers enjoying evenings out.

"I was just in bed," Robert explains, describing the week as the most solitary phase of his life.

His housemates seldom socialized, and his program didn't seem very sociable.

Even though he made efforts by attending trial events for various societies, he couldn't find people he connected with.

"I gradually lost my confidence," he says. "I believed individuals didn't desire to be friends with me, or they didn't appreciate me."

Digital Platform Contrasts

Initially, Robert didn't plan of studying at university and received employment offers for post-secondary education.

But then he observed his peers having great fun as college students online.

"When you must rise for your job during the week at nine in the morning and you notice others went out on Wednesday night, you do start thinking others have it better," Robert mentions.

College Anticipations

Media content and social media can romanticize the concept of student life.

Lots of people come to university with great anticipations for what they imagine could be the greatest period of their lives.

Certain attendees come to university with "optimistic perspectives," says a counselling manager.

Research Results

• Through surveys of new students initially, students' biggest concern was belonging and feeling included
• In another survey through polling organizations, nearly one-fifth of attendees said they had no friends at university
• Over one-third reported they experienced concern frequently about making friends

Individual Stories

Alisha Miah's online videos was full of videos of students enjoying themselves while cohabitating in student houses.

Yet when she transferred from her hometown to university to pursue media studies, she found initial days "daunting" because of how much alcohol it involved.

She abstains from alcohol and had not experienced nightlife before.

"I actually passed much of orientation within my living space," she says. "I simply experienced a bit alienated."

Emotional Wellbeing Factors

In a 2025 survey of numerous university attendees, 29% said they contemplated dropping out.

The primary factor was psychological wellbeing, accompanied by financial concerns.

"Worry regarding these multiple factors is very widespread, and normal," explains a support specialist.

Identifying Resolutions

Eventually, all three individuals gradually adjusted and formed relationships.

She formed relationships during classes and using online platforms, while the individual experienced improvement once she was able to relocate with companions.

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 helped him make friends.

Robert's advice to new attendees finding social interaction difficult is to just "get out of your room" and participate in group trial sessions.

"After a few weeks of consistently showing up, others notice your presence," he explains, "you notice their presence, and you start making friends."