Not having an amazing experience at uni? Many share your feelings.
A student named Robert used up much of his first week at university browsing through digital networks, viewing updates about fellow students partying.
"I remained in my room," Robert remembers, depicting those days as the loneliest time of his life.
Robert's flatmates seldom socialized, and his studies didn't appear very sociable.
Despite putting himself out there by participating in sample activities for different clubs, he couldn't find like-minded individuals.
"I started to lose my self-assurance," he says. "It seemed that people didn't want to become my friends, or they weren't fond of me."
Social Media Comparisons
Originally, Robert wasn't considering of studying at university and was offered positions for after sixth form.
Yet he saw his friends living it up as university attendees on social media.
"When you need to wake up for your job during the week at 9:00 and you observe peers partied on the previous evening, you do start thinking situations appear superior," Robert says.
University Expectations
TV shows and digital networks can idealize the notion of student life.
Lots of people come to university with strong assumptions for what they imagine could be the best years of their lives.
Certain attendees come to university with "optimistic perspectives," notes a counselling manager.
Study Outcomes
- In a poll of new students initially, students' biggest concern was finding their place and finding acceptance
- Additional research conducted by analysts, 17% of students said they were without companions at university
- 37% said they felt anxious regularly about making friends
Personal Experiences
Alisha Miah's social media content was filled with content of students enjoying themselves while cohabitating in university housing.
But when Alisha moved from London to Sheffield to pursue media studies, she found freshers' week "overwhelming" because of how much alcohol it involved.
She avoids drinking and had not experienced nightlife before.
"I actually passed much of orientation within my living space," she says. "I merely sensed slightly disconnected."
Mental Health Considerations
Through current studies of more than 10,000 undergraduate students, nearly one-third reported they contemplated withdrawing from studies.
The most common reason was psychological wellbeing, accompanied by economic considerations.
"Anxiety about these multiple factors is extremely prevalent, and expected," notes a mental health professional.
Discovering Answers
With time, Robert, Alisha and Christina all found their feet and built connections.
Alisha made friends through her course and via social media, while another student became more content when she could to move in with friends.
Helpful Recommendations
In his case, now 24 and in his last year, it was engaging in performance groups and employment during studies that assisted in relationship building.
The suggested approach to new attendees struggling to socialize 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," Robert says, "you recognise theirs, and friendships begin forming."