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A student named Robert used up much of his first week at university looking at social media, seeing content about fellow students partying.

"I remained in my room," Robert explains, characterizing that period as the most isolated period of his life.

Robert's flatmates seldom socialized, and his course didn't feel very sociable.

Although he tried by attending trial events for different clubs, he didn't discover his people.

"I gradually lost my confidence," he says. "I felt like people didn't want to be friends with me, or they didn't like me."

Social Media Comparisons

At first, Robert had no intention of studying at university and was offered positions for after sixth form.

But then he watched his acquaintances having great fun as university attendees on social media.

"When you've got to get up for work on Thursday at nine in the morning and you observe peers partied on Wednesday night, you do start thinking others have it better," Robert says.

University Expectations

Media content and social media can romanticize the concept of university living.

Numerous students arrive at college with great anticipations for what they believe could be the greatest period of their lives.

Certain attendees begin their studies with "rose-tinted glasses," says a support services coordinator.

Research Results

• In a poll of first-year attendees early on, the primary worry was belonging and being accepted
• In another survey conducted by analysts, 17% of students said they were without companions at university
• A substantial portion mentioned they experienced concern frequently about building relationships

Individual Stories

Another student's social media content was full of videos of students enjoying themselves while living together in college residences.

Yet when she relocated from London to Sheffield to learn reporting, she found orientation period "daunting" because of how much alcohol it involved.

She avoids drinking and had avoided party scenes before.

"I did spend much of orientation within my living space," she says. "I just felt slightly disconnected."

Psychological Aspects

In a 2025 survey of numerous university attendees, nearly one-third reported they thought about withdrawing from studies.

The most common reason was emotional state, followed by financial concerns.

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

Identifying Resolutions

Eventually, the students all found their feet and developed friendships.

She built connections during classes and via social media, while Christina felt happier once she was able to move in with friends.

Helpful Recommendations

Regarding his experience, currently in his mid-twenties and in his final year, it was joining his university's drama society and working occasionally that supported social connection.

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

"Following several weeks of regular attendance, others notice your presence," Robert says, "you recognise theirs, and you start making friends."