Not having a fantastic time at college? You're not alone.
Robert Medhurst spent most of his first week at university scrolling through online platforms, seeing content about other students' fun nights out.
"I remained in my room," Robert remembers, depicting those days as the most isolated period of his life.
His housemates rarely went out, 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 his people.
"I started to lose my confidence," he says. "It seemed that others weren't interested to be friends with me, or they didn't like me."
Online Network Judgments
Originally, Robert didn't plan of studying at university and was offered positions for following college.
But then he observed his peers having great fun as college students online.
"When you've got to get up for work on Thursday at nine in the morning and you see someone's been out on Wednesday night, you start feeling the grass is greener," Robert says.
University Expectations
TV shows and online platforms can glorify the idea of university living.
Numerous students begin university with high expectations for what they think could be the greatest period of their lives.
Certain attendees come to university with "idealistic views," notes a support services coordinator.
Survey Findings
- According to research of new students initially, the main anxiety was finding their place and feeling included
- In another survey through polling organizations, nearly one-fifth of attendees said they had no friends at university
- Over one-third reported they felt anxious regularly about making friends
Personal Journeys
Alisha Miah's social media content was full of videos of students enjoying themselves while cohabitating in college residences.
However when she relocated from her previous location to campus to pursue media studies, she found orientation period "daunting" because of how much alcohol it involved.
She avoids drinking and had never been clubbing before.
"I actually passed much of orientation within my living space," she says. "I merely sensed somewhat isolated."
Emotional Wellbeing Factors
Through current studies of more than 10,000 college learners, a significant portion mentioned they had considered dropping out.
The most common reason was psychological wellbeing, followed by financial concerns.
"Concern over these multiple factors is massively common, and normal," notes a counselling expert.
Identifying Resolutions
Eventually, Robert, Alisha and Christina gradually adjusted and formed relationships.
She built connections via her studies and using online platforms, while Christina felt happier after being able to relocate with companions.
Practical Advice
For Robert, currently in his mid-twenties and in his final year, it was joining his university's drama society and getting a part-time job that helped him make friends.
His recommendation to new attendees experiencing connection challenges is to just "get out of your room" and go to club and society taster events.
"After a few weeks of regular attendance, people recognise your face," he mentions, "you notice their presence, and you start making friends."
