One university attendee passed the majority of his first week at university browsing through digital networks, seeing content about peers enjoying evenings out.
"I remained in my room," Robert explains, describing the week as the most solitary phase of his life.
The people he lived with seldom socialized, and his program didn't seem particularly social.
Despite putting himself out there by going to taster sessions for various societies, he didn't discover his people.
"I began losing my self-assurance," he says. "It seemed that individuals didn't desire to be friends with me, or they weren't fond of me."
Social Media Comparisons
Initially, Robert didn't plan of going to university and was offered positions for post-secondary education.
But then he observed his peers enjoying themselves as college students online.
"When you must rise for work on Thursday at the morning hour and you observe peers partied on the previous evening, you do start thinking others have it better," Robert explains.
College Anticipations
Television programs and social media can romanticize the concept of university living.
Lots of people begin university with great anticipations for what they imagine could be the best years of their lives.
Certain attendees come to university with "rose-tinted glasses," notes a support services coordinator.
Survey Findings
- In a poll of new students initially, the primary worry was finding their place and feeling included
- In another survey through polling organizations, a significant minority said they had no friends at university
- Over one-third reported they experienced concern frequently about forming friendships
Personal Experiences
Another student's TikTok feed was full of videos of peers socializing while sharing accommodation in student houses.
However when Alisha moved from her previous location to campus to study journalism, she found initial days "overwhelming" because of the substance involvement it involved.
Alisha doesn't drink and had never been clubbing before.
"I actually passed considerable time initially in my room," she says. "I just felt a bit alienated."
Psychological Aspects
In a 2025 survey of numerous university attendees, nearly one-third reported they had considered leaving university.
The primary factor was emotional state, accompanied by economic considerations.
"Worry regarding these various aspects is extremely prevalent, and typical," explains a mental health professional.
Discovering Answers
Eventually, all three individuals eventually adapted and formed relationships.
She built connections through her course and through TikTok, while the individual experienced improvement once she was able to relocate with companions.
Practical Advice
For Robert, presently older and in his concluding studies, it was engaging in performance groups and getting a part-time job that supported social connection.
The suggested approach to new attendees experiencing connection challenges is to just "get out of your room" and attend organization sample activities.
"Subsequent to periods of consistently showing up, others notice your presence," he mentions, "you become familiar with them, and you start making friends."
