Failing to find the time of your life at university? You're not alone.

A student named Robert passed the majority of his freshers' week scrolling through online platforms, reading posts about other students' fun nights out.

"I was just in bed," Robert recalls, characterizing that period as the most isolated period of his life.

Robert's flatmates seldom socialized, and his studies didn't appear very sociable.

Even though he made efforts by going to taster sessions for different clubs, he couldn't find his people.

"I gradually lost my confidence," he says. "I felt like others weren't interested to form friendships with me, or they didn't like me."

Social Media Comparisons

Originally, Robert didn't plan of going to university and was offered positions for post-secondary education.

But then he observed his peers having great fun as college students online.

"When you need to wake up for work on Thursday at nine in the morning and you observe peers partied on Wednesday night, you start feeling the grass is greener," Robert mentions.

College Anticipations

TV shows and online platforms can idealize the notion of college existence.

Lots of people come to university with high expectations for what they believe could be the greatest period of their lives.

Some students arrive at college with "idealistic views," notes a support services coordinator.

Survey Findings

• In a poll of first-year attendees early on, students' biggest concern was belonging and finding acceptance
• In another survey by market research agencies, nearly one-fifth of attendees said they were without companions at university
• 37% said they felt anxious regularly about forming friendships

Personal Journeys

Another student's TikTok feed was filled with content of girls having fun while sharing accommodation in student houses.

However when she relocated from London to Sheffield 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 merely sensed somewhat isolated."

Mental Health Considerations

In a 2025 survey of more than 10,000 undergraduate students, 29% said they contemplated withdrawing from studies.

The primary factor was psychological wellbeing, accompanied by monetary worries.

"Concern over all of these different things is extremely prevalent, and expected," explains a mental health professional.

Finding Solutions

With time, the students all found their feet and formed relationships.

She formed relationships via her studies and through TikTok, while another student became more content once she was able to share accommodation with peers.

Useful Suggestions

Regarding his experience, presently older and in his last year, it was joining his university's drama society and employment during studies that helped him make friends.

His recommendation to beginning learners struggling to socialize is to venture outside your living space and participate in group trial sessions.

"After a few weeks of continuous participation, individuals become familiar with you," he mentions, "you become familiar with them, and friendships begin forming."