Struggling to have an amazing experience at college? Many share your feelings.
One university attendee passed the majority of his orientation week browsing through online platforms, seeing content about fellow students partying.
"I remained in my room," Robert recalls, depicting those days as the loneliest time of his life.
Robert's flatmates seldom socialized, and his program didn't seem especially friendly.
Even though he made efforts by participating in sample activities for various societies, he couldn't find people he connected with.
"I gradually lost my self-esteem," he says. "I felt like individuals didn't desire to become my friends, or they didn't like me."
Digital Platform Contrasts
Originally, Robert didn't plan of going to university and received employment offers for post-secondary education.
Yet he observed his peers living it up as students on Instagram.
"When you need to wake up for employment on weekdays at 9:00 and you observe peers partied on Wednesday night, you do start thinking others have it better," Robert mentions.
University Expectations
Television programs and online platforms can idealize the notion of student life.
Many individuals come to university with strong assumptions for what they believe could be the best years of their lives.
Various learners begin their studies with "idealistic views," says a mental health professional.
Survey Findings
- Through surveys of freshers in their first week, the primary worry was finding their place and finding acceptance
- In another survey through polling organizations, nearly one-fifth of attendees said they were without companions at university
- Over one-third reported they felt anxious regularly about building relationships
Individual Stories
Another student's TikTok feed was populated with clips of peers socializing while sharing accommodation in college residences.
But when Alisha moved from her previous location to campus to pursue media studies, she found freshers' week "overwhelming" because of the substance involvement it involved.
She abstains from alcohol and had not experienced nightlife before.
"I did spend much of orientation within my living space," she says. "I just felt slightly disconnected."
Emotional Wellbeing Factors
In a 2025 survey of numerous undergraduate students, a significant portion mentioned they contemplated dropping out.
The main cause was psychological wellbeing, followed by financial concerns.
"Worry regarding these multiple factors is very widespread, and normal," explains a support specialist.
Finding Solutions
Eventually, the students gradually adjusted and formed relationships.
Alisha made friends during classes and via social media, while another student became more content once she was able to relocate with companions.
Practical Advice
Regarding his experience, now 24 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 finding social interaction difficult is to venture outside your living space and go to club and society taster events.
"Subsequent to periods of regular attendance, people recognise your face," Robert says, "you notice their presence, and relationships start developing."
