đź”— Share this article Not having a fantastic time at uni? You are not the only one. Robert and Christina talk about their journeys of college living. A student named Robert passed the majority of his first week at university browsing through online platforms, seeing content about peers enjoying evenings out. "I remained in my room," Robert recalls, describing the week as the most solitary phase of his life. His housemates rarely went out, and his course didn't feel particularly social. Even though he made efforts by going to taster sessions for different clubs, he was unable to locate his people. "I began losing my confidence," he says. "I believed individuals didn't desire to be friends with me, or they weren't fond of me." Social Media Comparisons Initially, Robert didn't plan of going to university and received employment offers for following college. But then he saw his friends having great fun as university attendees on social media. "When you've got to get up for your job during the week at 9:00 and you notice others went out on Wednesday night, you do start thinking others have it better," Robert explains. University Expectations TV shows and online platforms can glorify the idea of college existence. Many individuals come to university with great anticipations for what they believe could be the greatest period of their lives. Some students come to university with "rose-tinted glasses," says a support services coordinator. Study Outcomes In a poll of new students initially, the primary worry was finding their place and feeling included In another survey through polling organizations, 17% of students said they lacked friendships at university Over one-third reported they felt anxious regularly about forming friendships Personal Experiences Another student's social media content was filled with content of peers socializing while living together in college residences. Yet when she relocated from her hometown to university to study journalism, she found freshers' week "daunting" because of the substance involvement it involved. She avoids drinking and had never been clubbing before. "I utilized much of orientation within my living space," she says. "I simply experienced somewhat isolated." Emotional Wellbeing Factors According to recent research of over ten thousand undergraduate students, 29% said they had considered leaving university. The primary factor was their mental and emotional health, accompanied by financial concerns. "Anxiety about these multiple factors is very widespread, and typical," adds a mental health professional. Discovering Answers Eventually, Robert, Alisha and Christina all found their feet and built connections. Alisha made friends during classes and using online platforms, while Christina felt happier once she was able to relocate with companions. Practical Advice Regarding his experience, currently in his mid-twenties and in his last year, it was participating in theater activities and getting a part-time job that assisted in relationship building. Robert's advice to new attendees struggling to socialize is to just "get out of your room" and go to club and society taster events. "Subsequent to periods of regular attendance, people recognise your face," Robert says, "you notice their presence, and relationships start developing."