Not having a fantastic time at college? Many share your feelings.

A student named Robert passed the majority of his first week at university scrolling through digital networks, seeing content about fellow students partying.

"I stayed indoors," Robert remembers, describing the week as the loneliest time of his life.

Robert's flatmates rarely went out, and his course didn't feel especially friendly.

Despite putting himself out there by going to taster sessions for multiple organizations, he didn't discover like-minded individuals.

"I began losing my self-assurance," he says. "I felt like individuals didn't desire to become my friends, or they didn't like me."

Digital Platform Contrasts

At first, Robert didn't plan of attending college and received employment offers for after sixth form.

But then he observed his peers enjoying themselves as students on Instagram.

"When you need to wake up for work on Thursday at the morning hour and you observe peers partied on midweek, you start feeling situations appear superior," Robert mentions.

Higher Education Assumptions

Television programs and digital networks can glorify the idea of college existence.

Lots of people come to university with great anticipations for what they think could be the greatest period of their lives.

Various learners come to university with "rose-tinted glasses," says a support services coordinator.

Survey Findings

• In a poll of new students initially, students' biggest concern was fitting in and being accepted
• In another survey by market research agencies, 17% of students said they had no friends at university
• A substantial portion mentioned they felt anxious regularly about making friends

Individual Stories

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

Yet when Alisha moved from her hometown to university to pursue media studies, she found orientation period "overwhelming" because of how much alcohol 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 over ten thousand undergraduate students, a significant portion mentioned they thought about leaving university.

The most common reason was psychological wellbeing, followed by economic considerations.

"Worry regarding these various aspects is massively common, and typical," explains a support specialist.

Finding Solutions

Eventually, Robert, Alisha and Christina all found their feet and developed friendships.

She formed relationships through her course and via social media, while another student became more content after being able to relocate with companions.

Practical Advice

Regarding his experience, now 24 and in his final year, it was participating in theater activities and employment during studies that supported social connection.

His recommendation to beginning learners experiencing connection challenges is to venture outside your living space and participate in group trial sessions.

"Subsequent to periods of continuous participation, individuals become familiar with you," Robert says, "you notice their presence, and you start making friends."