Not having the time of your life at uni? You're not alone.
Robert Medhurst spent most of his freshers' week browsing through social media, reading posts about fellow students partying.
"I stayed indoors," Robert recalls, depicting those days as the most isolated period of his life.
Robert's flatmates didn't go out much, and his program didn't seem particularly social.
Despite putting himself out there by participating in sample activities for different clubs, he couldn't find people he connected with.
"I gradually lost my confidence," he says. "I believed individuals didn't desire to be friends with me, or they weren't fond of me."
Online Network Judgments
At first, Robert had no intention of going to university and was offered positions for following college.
But then he observed his peers having great fun as university attendees on social media.
"When you must rise for work on Thursday at 9:00 and you observe peers partied on Wednesday night, you do start thinking situations appear superior," Robert explains.
Higher Education Assumptions
TV shows and social media can glorify the idea of student life.
Numerous students arrive at college with great anticipations for what they imagine could be the greatest period of their lives.
Some students begin their studies with "rose-tinted glasses," notes a mental health professional.
Research Results
- According to research of freshers in their first week, students' biggest concern was belonging and feeling included
- In another survey by market research agencies, 17% of students said they had no friends at university
- 37% said they felt anxious regularly about making friends
Individual Stories
A different attendee's TikTok feed was filled with content of peers socializing while cohabitating in college residences.
However when she transferred from her previous location to campus to pursue media studies, she found orientation period "daunting" because of the substance involvement it involved.
She avoids drinking and had not experienced nightlife before.
"I did spend much of orientation in my room," she says. "I merely sensed a bit alienated."
Mental Health Considerations
Through current studies of more than 10,000 college learners, nearly one-third reported they had considered withdrawing from studies.
The most common reason was their mental and emotional health, followed by economic considerations.
"Concern over these multiple factors is extremely prevalent, and typical," adds a counselling expert.
Finding Solutions
With time, Robert, Alisha and Christina all found their feet and developed friendships.
She built connections via her studies and via social media, while another student became more content when she could to share accommodation with peers.
Practical Advice
For Robert, currently in his mid-twenties and in his concluding studies, it was engaging in performance groups and employment during studies that supported social connection.
His recommendation to new attendees finding social interaction difficult is to venture outside your living space and attend organization sample activities.
"Subsequent to periods of regular attendance, others notice your presence," he explains, "you notice their presence, and you start making friends."
