Failing to find the time of your life at uni? You are not the only one.

A student named Robert used up much of his orientation week browsing through social media, seeing content about other students' fun nights out.

"I remained in my room," Robert remembers, describing the week as the most isolated period of his life.

His housemates rarely went out, and his program didn't seem particularly social.

Even though he made efforts by participating in sample activities for different clubs, he didn't discover people he connected with.

"I began losing my self-esteem," he says. "It seemed that individuals didn't desire to be friends with me, or they weren't fond of me."

Online Network Judgments

Initially, Robert didn't plan of going to university and had a job offer for after sixth form.

But then he observed his peers living it up as students on Instagram.

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

University Expectations

TV shows and online platforms can glorify the idea of university living.

Numerous students come to university with strong assumptions for what they imagine could be the most wonderful time of their lives.

Some students begin their studies with "idealistic views," says a support services coordinator.

Survey Findings

• According to research of freshers in their first week, the main anxiety was finding their place and being accepted
• In another survey by market research agencies, nearly one-fifth of attendees said they had no friends at university
• A substantial portion mentioned they felt anxious regularly about making friends

Personal Journeys

A different attendee's online videos was populated with clips of students enjoying themselves while sharing accommodation in college residences.

But when she transferred from London to Sheffield to study journalism, she found freshers' week "daunting" because of how much alcohol it involved.

Alisha doesn't drink and had avoided party scenes before.

"I did spend considerable time initially within my living space," she says. "I simply experienced a bit alienated."

Emotional Wellbeing Factors

According to recent research of over ten thousand university attendees, nearly one-third reported they had considered leaving university.

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

"Concern over these various aspects is massively common, and typical," adds a counselling expert.

Identifying Resolutions

Over periods, all three individuals all found their feet and formed relationships.

Alisha made friends during classes and via social media, while Christina felt happier after being able to share accommodation with peers.

Helpful Recommendations

In his case, currently in his mid-twenties and in his final year, it was engaging in performance groups and working occasionally that assisted in relationship building.

His recommendation to beginning learners struggling to socialize is to just "get out of your room" and go to club and society taster events.

"Subsequent to periods of consistently showing up, individuals become familiar with you," he explains, "you become familiar with them, and friendships begin forming."