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Robert Medhurst spent most of his freshers' week scrolling through social media, reading posts about fellow students partying.

"I was just in bed," Robert explains, describing the week as the loneliest time of his life.

Robert's flatmates rarely went out, and his course didn't feel especially friendly.

Even though he made efforts by attending trial events for multiple organizations, he was unable to locate people he connected with.

"I gradually lost my confidence," he says. "I believed others weren't interested to form friendships with me, or they weren't fond of me."

Digital Platform Contrasts

Originally, Robert had no intention of studying at university and received employment offers for after sixth form.

But then he observed his peers enjoying themselves as college students online.

"When you need to wake up for employment on weekdays at nine in the morning and you see someone's been out on the previous evening, you begin believing others have it better," Robert mentions.

College Anticipations

TV shows and social media can glorify the idea of college existence.

Many individuals arrive at college with strong assumptions for what they think could be the most wonderful time of their lives.

Some students come to university with "idealistic views," notes a support services coordinator.

Study Outcomes

• Through surveys of freshers in their first week, the primary worry was belonging 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 forming friendships

Individual Stories

Another student's TikTok feed was full of videos of peers socializing while sharing accommodation in college residences.

Yet when Alisha moved from her previous location to campus to learn reporting, she found initial days "overwhelming" because of the drinking culture it involved.

She avoids drinking and had avoided party scenes before.

"I utilized much of orientation in my room," she says. "I just felt a bit alienated."

Psychological Aspects

In a 2025 survey of more than 10,000 undergraduate students, nearly one-third reported they had considered withdrawing from studies.

The main cause was their mental and emotional health, succeeded by financial concerns.

"Worry regarding these various aspects is very widespread, and normal," adds a mental health professional.

Identifying Resolutions

Eventually, Robert, Alisha and Christina eventually adapted and built connections.

Alisha made friends during classes and via social media, while another student became more content once she was able to move in with friends.

Practical Advice

Regarding his experience, now 24 and in his last year, it was engaging in performance groups and employment during studies that assisted in relationship building.

The suggested approach to first-year students finding social interaction difficult is to simply leave your accommodation and attend organization sample activities.

"After a few weeks of continuous participation, people recognise your face," Robert says, "you notice their presence, and you start making friends."