🔗 Share this article

Robert Medhurst passed the majority of his first week at university scrolling through online platforms, reading posts about peers enjoying evenings out.

"I stayed indoors," Robert explains, characterizing that period as the loneliest time 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 various societies, he couldn't find like-minded individuals.

"I began losing my self-esteem," he says. "I believed people didn't want to become my friends, or they weren't fond of me."

Online Network Judgments

Originally, Robert didn't plan of going to university and was offered positions for after sixth form.

Yet he saw his friends enjoying themselves as college students online.

"When you must rise for your job during the week at nine in the morning and you see someone's been out on midweek, you start feeling the grass is greener," Robert mentions.

College Anticipations

Media content and online platforms can romanticize the concept of college existence.

Numerous students come to university with great anticipations for what they believe could be the most wonderful time of their lives.

Various learners come to university with "optimistic perspectives," explains a support services coordinator.

Survey Findings

• Through surveys of first-year attendees early on, students' biggest concern was fitting in and being accepted
• Additional research by market research agencies, a significant minority said they had no friends at university
• 37% said they felt anxious regularly about forming friendships

Personal Journeys

A different attendee's social media content was full of videos of students enjoying themselves while cohabitating in student houses.

Yet when she transferred from her hometown to university to study journalism, she found orientation period "daunting" because of the drinking culture it involved.

She abstains from alcohol and had avoided party scenes before.

"I actually passed a lot of freshers' week inside my accommodation," she says. "I merely sensed slightly disconnected."

Emotional Wellbeing Factors

In a 2025 survey of more than 10,000 college learners, a significant portion mentioned they had considered leaving university.

The primary factor was emotional state, accompanied by financial concerns.

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

Identifying Resolutions

Eventually, all three individuals gradually adjusted and formed relationships.

She formed relationships via her studies and via social media, while another student became more content when she could to move in with friends.

Helpful Recommendations

Regarding his experience, presently older and in his last year, it was engaging in performance groups and working occasionally that supported social connection.

The suggested approach to beginning learners struggling to socialize is to just "get out of your room" and participate in group trial sessions.

"Following several weeks of continuous participation, individuals become familiar with you," he mentions, "you notice their presence, and relationships start developing."