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Robert Medhurst passed the majority of his orientation week browsing through online platforms, seeing content about other students' fun nights out.

"I stayed indoors," Robert explains, describing the week as the most solitary phase of his life.

His housemates didn't go out much, and his studies didn't appear very sociable.

Despite putting himself out there by going to taster sessions for various societies, he couldn't find people he connected with.

"I gradually lost my self-esteem," he says. "It seemed that people didn't want to form friendships with me, or they didn't appreciate me."

Social Media Comparisons

Initially, Robert wasn't considering of attending college and was offered positions for after sixth form.

But then he saw his friends having great fun as college students online.

"When you've got to get up for your job during the week at 9:00 and you notice others went out on midweek, you start feeling others have it better," Robert explains.

College Anticipations

Television programs and digital networks can romanticize the concept of student life.

Lots of people come to university with great anticipations for what they imagine could be the most wonderful time of their lives.

Certain attendees arrive at college with "optimistic perspectives," explains a counselling manager.

Study Outcomes

• In a poll of freshers in their first week, students' biggest concern was fitting in and finding acceptance
• Additional research through polling organizations, a significant minority said they lacked friendships at university
• Over one-third reported they felt anxious regularly about making friends

Individual Stories

Another student's TikTok feed was full of videos of girls having fun while sharing accommodation in university housing.

But when she transferred from her hometown to university to pursue media studies, she found freshers' week "daunting" because of the drinking culture it involved.

She avoids drinking and had never been clubbing before.

"I actually passed considerable time initially inside my accommodation," she says. "I simply experienced slightly disconnected."

Psychological Aspects

Through current studies of numerous undergraduate students, nearly one-third reported they thought about dropping out.

The primary factor was emotional state, accompanied by monetary worries.

"Concern over these multiple factors is extremely prevalent, and expected," notes a mental health professional.

Identifying Resolutions

With time, Robert, Alisha and Christina eventually adapted and built connections.

Alisha made friends during classes and through TikTok, while the individual experienced improvement once she was able to move in with friends.

Practical Advice

Regarding his experience, 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 supported social connection.

Robert's advice to beginning learners finding social interaction difficult is to just "get out of your room" and go to club and society taster events.

"Subsequent to periods of continuous participation, others notice your presence," he mentions, "you notice their presence, and you start making friends."