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A student named Robert spent most of his freshers' week looking at social media, viewing updates about fellow students partying.

"I was just in bed," Robert remembers, describing the week as the most solitary phase of his life.

His housemates rarely went out, and his studies didn't appear particularly social.

Despite putting himself out there by participating in sample activities for various societies, he was unable to locate like-minded individuals.

"I gradually lost my self-assurance," he says. "I believed people didn't want to form friendships with me, or they didn't like me."

Digital Platform Contrasts

At first, Robert wasn't considering of studying at university and was offered positions for post-secondary education.

However he watched his acquaintances enjoying themselves as university attendees on social media.

"When you need to wake up for employment on weekdays at the morning hour and you notice others went out on the previous evening, you do start thinking others have it better," Robert explains.

University Expectations

Media content and online platforms can glorify the idea of college existence.

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

Certain attendees arrive at college with "rose-tinted glasses," notes a mental health professional.

Study Outcomes

• Through surveys of freshers in their first week, the primary worry was finding their place and feeling included
• Additional research by market research agencies, 17% of students said they had no friends at university
• Over one-third reported they felt anxious regularly about making friends

Personal Experiences

A different attendee's TikTok feed was full of videos of students enjoying themselves while sharing accommodation in university housing.

But when she relocated from her hometown to university to learn reporting, she found initial days "overwhelming" because of the drinking culture it involved.

Alisha doesn't drink and had not experienced nightlife before.

"I did spend considerable time initially within my living space," she says. "I just felt a bit alienated."

Mental Health Considerations

Through current studies of numerous university attendees, a significant portion mentioned they had considered leaving university.

The main cause was their mental and emotional health, followed by financial concerns.

"Anxiety about all of these different things is extremely prevalent, and expected," notes a mental health professional.

Finding Solutions

With time, the students eventually adapted and built connections.

She built connections through her course and using online platforms, while another student became more content once she was able to move in with friends.

Practical Advice

Regarding his experience, now 24 and in his last year, it was participating in theater activities and working occasionally that helped him make friends.

Robert's advice to first-year students struggling to socialize is to venture outside your living space and attend organization sample activities.

"Subsequent to periods of continuous participation, others notice your presence," Robert says, "you recognise theirs, and friendships begin forming."