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One university attendee used up much of his orientation week scrolling through online platforms, seeing content about fellow students partying.

"I stayed indoors," Robert recalls, depicting those days as the most isolated period of his life.

Robert's flatmates seldom socialized, and his studies didn't appear particularly social.

Despite putting himself out there by going to taster sessions for multiple organizations, he was unable to locate his people.

"I gradually lost my self-assurance," he says. "I felt like people didn't want to become my friends, or they didn't appreciate me."

Digital Platform Contrasts

Originally, Robert didn't plan of studying at university and was offered positions for post-secondary education.

But then he watched his acquaintances enjoying themselves as students on Instagram.

"When you've got to get up for work on Thursday at the morning hour and you see someone's been out on midweek, you start feeling situations appear superior," Robert says.

Higher Education Assumptions

TV shows and social media can idealize the notion of student life.

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

Some students come to university with "idealistic views," says a counselling manager.

Survey Findings

• In a poll of freshers in their first week, the primary worry was belonging and being accepted
• Additional research through polling organizations, a significant minority said they were without companions at university
• Over one-third reported they felt anxious regularly about forming friendships

Personal Journeys

Another student's TikTok feed was filled with content of girls having fun while living together in university housing.

However when she relocated from her previous location to campus to study journalism, she found freshers' week "daunting" because of the drinking culture it involved.

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

"I actually passed a lot of freshers' week within my living space," she says. "I just felt slightly disconnected."

Mental Health Considerations

According to recent research of more than 10,000 college learners, nearly one-third reported they thought about withdrawing from studies.

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

"Anxiety about these various aspects is very widespread, and expected," adds a counselling expert.

Finding Solutions

Eventually, the students eventually adapted and built connections.

Alisha made friends 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, currently in his mid-twenties and in his last year, it was joining his university's drama society and employment during studies that helped him make friends.

Robert's advice to first-year students struggling to socialize is to just "get out of your room" and go to club and society taster events.

"After a few weeks of consistently showing up, others notice your presence," Robert says, "you become familiar with them, and you start making friends."