Struggling to have the time of your life at uni? You're not alone.
A student named Robert used up much of his orientation week browsing through online platforms, viewing updates about other students' fun nights out.
"I stayed indoors," Robert explains, characterizing that period as the most isolated period of his life.
Robert's flatmates rarely went out, and his course didn't feel very sociable.
Despite putting himself out there by participating in sample activities for various societies, he didn't discover people he connected with.
"I gradually lost my self-esteem," he says. "I felt like individuals didn't desire to be friends with me, or they didn't like me."
Social Media Comparisons
Originally, Robert didn't plan of attending college and was offered positions for post-secondary education.
Yet he saw his friends enjoying themselves as university attendees on social media.
"When you must rise for your job during the week at 9:00 and you notice others went out on Wednesday night, you start feeling the grass is greener," Robert mentions.
Higher Education Assumptions
Media content and online platforms can romanticize the concept of student life.
Many individuals come to university with high expectations for what they think could be the most wonderful time of their lives.
Some students begin their studies with "optimistic perspectives," notes a mental health professional.
Research Results
- In a poll of freshers in their first week, the main anxiety was belonging and finding acceptance
- Further studies through polling organizations, nearly one-fifth of attendees said they lacked friendships at university
- 37% said they felt anxious regularly about forming friendships
Personal Journeys
Another student's online videos was filled with content of girls having fun while sharing accommodation in university housing.
But when she transferred from her previous location to campus to study journalism, she found freshers' week "intense" because of the drinking culture it involved.
She abstains from alcohol and had avoided party scenes before.
"I did spend considerable time initially inside my accommodation," she says. "I just felt slightly disconnected."
Psychological Aspects
According to recent research of numerous university attendees, 29% said they contemplated dropping out.
The main cause was their mental and emotional health, succeeded by financial concerns.
"Anxiety about all of these different things is extremely prevalent, and expected," explains a counselling expert.
Discovering Answers
Over periods, the students eventually adapted and developed friendships.
Alisha made friends via her studies and using online platforms, while another student became more content after being able to relocate with companions.
Useful Suggestions
Regarding his experience, currently in his mid-twenties and in his last year, it was engaging in performance groups and employment during studies that assisted in relationship building.
His recommendation to beginning learners experiencing connection challenges is to just "get out of your room" and participate in group trial sessions.
"After a few weeks of continuous participation, others notice your presence," Robert says, "you recognise theirs, and you start making friends."