Struggling to have a fantastic time at university? You are not the only one.

A student named Robert used up much of his first week at university browsing through online platforms, viewing updates about other students' fun nights out.

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

The people he lived with seldom socialized, and his course didn't feel particularly social.

Although he tried by going to taster sessions for different clubs, he was unable to locate his people.

"I gradually lost my self-esteem," he says. "It seemed that people didn't want to become my friends, or they weren't fond of me."

Social Media Comparisons

Initially, Robert didn't plan of going to university and had a job offer for after sixth form.

Yet he observed his peers enjoying themselves as college students online.

"When you need to wake up for employment on weekdays at the morning hour and you observe peers partied on Wednesday night, you begin believing the grass is greener," Robert explains.

University Expectations

TV shows and social media can glorify the idea of university living.

Lots of people come to university with strong assumptions for what they think could be the most wonderful time of their lives.

Some students come to university with "idealistic views," notes a mental health professional.

Research Results

• In a poll of first-year attendees early on, students' biggest concern was finding their place and being accepted
• In another survey conducted by analysts, 17% of students said they had no friends at university
• A substantial portion mentioned they worried daily or weekly about forming friendships

Individual Stories

A different attendee's online videos was populated with clips of students enjoying themselves while living together in college residences.

However when she transferred from her hometown to university to study journalism, she found orientation period "daunting" because of the drinking culture it involved.

She abstains from alcohol and had never been clubbing before.

"I actually passed a lot of freshers' week in my room," she says. "I just felt a bit alienated."

Mental Health Considerations

Through current studies of numerous college learners, a significant portion mentioned they contemplated withdrawing from studies.

The main cause was their mental and emotional health, succeeded by economic considerations.

"Concern over all of these different things is massively common, and normal," explains a counselling expert.

Identifying Resolutions

Over periods, Robert, Alisha and Christina gradually adjusted and formed relationships.

She built connections through her course and via social media, while Christina felt happier once she was able to relocate with companions.

Useful Suggestions

For Robert, currently in his mid-twenties and in his last year, it was joining his university's drama society and employment during studies that assisted in relationship building.

Robert's advice to new attendees experiencing connection challenges is to simply leave your accommodation and participate in group trial sessions.

"Following several weeks of regular attendance, others notice your presence," he explains, "you become familiar with them, and friendships begin forming."