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A student named Robert passed the majority of his freshers' week looking at digital networks, viewing updates about fellow students partying.

"I was just in bed," Robert explains, describing the week as the most isolated period of his life.

Robert's flatmates didn't go out much, and his course didn't feel especially friendly.

Despite putting himself out there by participating in sample activities for multiple organizations, he couldn't find people he connected with.

"I started to lose my confidence," he says. "It seemed that people didn't want to form friendships with me, or they didn't appreciate me."

Social Media Comparisons

Initially, Robert didn't plan of attending college and had a job offer for post-secondary education.

Yet he saw his friends having great fun as students on Instagram.

"When you've got to get up for your job during the week at 9:00 and you observe peers partied on Wednesday night, you do start thinking others have it better," Robert explains.

University Expectations

Television programs and social media can romanticize the concept of college existence.

Many individuals come to university with high expectations for what they think could be the greatest period of their lives.

Some students arrive at college with "optimistic perspectives," says a counselling manager.

Survey Findings

• According to research of new students initially, students' biggest concern was belonging and being accepted
• Further studies through polling organizations, 17% of students said they had no friends at university
• 37% said they worried daily or weekly about forming friendships

Personal Journeys

Another student's social media content was filled with content of peers socializing while cohabitating in university housing.

But when she relocated from her previous location to campus to pursue media studies, she found freshers' week "intense" because of the drinking culture it involved.

She abstains from alcohol and had avoided party scenes before.

"I actually passed much of orientation in my room," she says. "I simply experienced slightly disconnected."

Emotional Wellbeing Factors

In a 2025 survey of numerous university attendees, a significant portion mentioned they contemplated dropping out.

The most common reason was emotional state, followed by monetary worries.

"Worry regarding all of these different things is massively common, and normal," notes a support specialist.

Finding Solutions

Over periods, Robert, Alisha and Christina gradually adjusted and built connections.

Alisha made friends via her studies and using online platforms, while another student became more content once she was able to relocate with companions.

Practical Advice

Regarding his experience, now 24 and in his last year, it was engaging in performance groups and employment during studies that helped him make friends.

Robert's advice to beginning learners experiencing connection challenges is to just "get out of your room" and participate in group trial sessions.

"After a few weeks of continuous participation, people recognise your face," Robert says, "you recognise theirs, and relationships start developing."