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Robert Medhurst used up much of his first week at university scrolling through online platforms, reading posts about fellow students partying.

"I was just in bed," Robert remembers, characterizing that period as the loneliest time of his life.

Robert's flatmates didn't go out much, and his studies didn't appear very sociable.

Despite putting himself out there by participating in sample activities for various societies, he was unable to locate his people.

"I began losing my self-assurance," he says. "I felt like individuals didn't desire to form friendships with me, or they didn't appreciate me."

Social Media Comparisons

At first, Robert didn't plan of attending college and was offered positions for following college.

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

"When you've got to get up for employment on weekdays at the morning hour and you notice others went out on midweek, you do start thinking others have it better," Robert says.

University Expectations

TV shows and digital networks can glorify the idea of college existence.

Lots of people come to university with high expectations for what they think could be the best years of their lives.

Certain attendees begin their studies with "idealistic views," explains a mental health professional.

Study Outcomes

• In a poll of freshers in their first week, the primary worry was finding their place and feeling included
• In another survey conducted by analysts, 17% of students said they had no friends at university
• Over one-third reported they felt anxious regularly about making friends

Personal Experiences

Alisha Miah's social media content was filled with content of peers socializing while living together in student houses.

But when Alisha moved from her hometown to university to pursue media studies, she found initial days "daunting" because of the substance involvement it involved.

She abstains from alcohol and had never been clubbing before.

"I did spend considerable time initially within my living space," she says. "I simply experienced slightly disconnected."

Emotional Wellbeing Factors

According to recent research of numerous undergraduate students, a significant portion mentioned they had considered leaving university.

The main cause was emotional state, followed by monetary worries.

"Concern over all of these different things is very widespread, and normal," adds a counselling expert.

Finding Solutions

With time, Robert, Alisha and Christina all found their feet and built connections.

Alisha made friends through her course and using online platforms, while Christina felt happier after being able to share accommodation with peers.

Practical Advice

For Robert, presently older and in his last year, it was participating in theater activities and getting a part-time job that helped him make friends.

The suggested approach to new attendees finding social interaction difficult is to simply leave your accommodation and go to club and society taster events.

"Subsequent to periods of regular attendance, others notice your presence," Robert says, "you become familiar with them, and relationships start developing."