Failing to find the time of your life at uni? You're not alone.
A student named Robert used up much of his orientation week scrolling through online platforms, reading posts about fellow students partying.
"I remained in my room," Robert recalls, characterizing that period as the most solitary phase of his life.
The people he lived with seldom socialized, and his course didn't feel especially friendly.
Even though he made efforts by attending trial events for different clubs, he couldn't find people he connected with.
"I gradually lost my confidence," he says. "I felt like people didn't want to form friendships with me, or they didn't appreciate me."
Social Media Comparisons
Originally, Robert didn't plan of studying at university and received employment offers for post-secondary education.
But then he saw his friends having great fun as university attendees on social media.
"When you've got to get up for employment on weekdays at 9:00 and you notice others went out on the previous evening, you do start thinking situations appear superior," Robert says.
University Expectations
TV shows and digital networks can romanticize the concept of student life.
Many individuals begin university with great anticipations for what they imagine could be the greatest period of their lives.
Some students arrive at college with "idealistic views," says a support services coordinator.
Survey Findings
- According to research of freshers in their first week, students' biggest concern was belonging and finding acceptance
- Further studies conducted by analysts, nearly one-fifth of attendees said they lacked friendships at university
- 37% said they experienced concern frequently about making friends
Personal Journeys
A different attendee's TikTok feed was filled with content of students enjoying themselves while sharing accommodation in college residences.
However when she relocated from her previous location to campus to study journalism, she found freshers' week "daunting" because of how much alcohol it involved.
Alisha doesn't drink and had not experienced nightlife before.
"I did spend a lot of freshers' week within my living space," she says. "I just felt a bit alienated."
Psychological Aspects
According to recent research of numerous university attendees, 29% said they had considered leaving university.
The most common reason was psychological wellbeing, followed by economic considerations.
"Concern over all of these different things is extremely prevalent, and expected," adds a support specialist.
Discovering Answers
Over periods, the students eventually adapted and formed relationships.
She formed relationships via her studies and via social media, while the individual experienced improvement after being able to share accommodation with peers.
Practical Advice
Regarding his experience, now 24 and in his last year, it was participating in theater activities and working occasionally that helped him make friends.
His recommendation to new attendees finding social interaction difficult is to simply leave your accommodation and go to club and society taster events.
"After a few weeks of consistently showing up, others notice your presence," he explains, "you recognise theirs, and you start making friends."