Struggling to have the time of your life at university? Many share your feelings.
Robert Medhurst used up much of his orientation week browsing through online platforms, seeing content about fellow students partying.
"I remained in my room," Robert explains, describing the week as the most isolated period of his life.
His housemates seldom socialized, and his course didn't feel especially friendly.
Despite putting himself out there by participating in sample activities for different clubs, he couldn't find his people.
"I started to lose my self-esteem," he says. "I believed people didn't want to become my friends, or they didn't appreciate me."
Digital Platform Contrasts
Originally, Robert didn't plan of studying at university and had a job offer for following college.
However he observed his peers enjoying themselves as university attendees on social media.
"When you must rise for your job during the week at 9:00 and you see someone's been out on Wednesday night, you start feeling others have it better," Robert says.
College Anticipations
Television programs and online platforms can romanticize the concept of university living.
Many individuals begin university with high expectations for what they imagine could be the greatest period of their lives.
Certain attendees arrive at college with "rose-tinted glasses," notes a mental health professional.
Survey Findings
- In a poll of new students initially, students' biggest concern was finding their place and being accepted
- Further studies through polling organizations, nearly one-fifth of attendees said they had no friends at university
- Over one-third reported they worried daily or weekly about building relationships
Individual Stories
Alisha Miah's online videos was populated with clips of students enjoying themselves while living together in university housing.
But when she transferred from London to Sheffield to study journalism, she found freshers' week "overwhelming" because of the substance involvement it involved.
Alisha doesn't drink and had avoided party scenes before.
"I actually passed a lot of freshers' week inside my accommodation," she says. "I just felt somewhat isolated."
Mental Health Considerations
In a 2025 survey of numerous university attendees, 29% said they contemplated withdrawing from studies.
The main cause was psychological wellbeing, followed by financial concerns.
"Worry regarding all of these different things is massively common, and normal," explains a mental health professional.
Identifying Resolutions
Over periods, all three individuals gradually adjusted and built connections.
She formed relationships during classes and via social media, while the individual experienced improvement after being able to move in with friends.
Useful Suggestions
In his case, now 24 and in his last year, it was joining his university's drama society and employment during studies that assisted in relationship building.
His recommendation to beginning learners struggling to socialize is to venture outside your living space and participate in group trial sessions.
"Following several weeks of regular attendance, others notice your presence," he explains, "you notice their presence, and relationships start developing."
