Failing to find an amazing experience at college? You're not alone.

One university attendee used up much of his freshers' week scrolling through digital networks, viewing updates about fellow students partying.

"I remained in my room," Robert explains, characterizing that period as the loneliest time of his life.

The people he lived with didn't go out much, and his course didn't feel especially friendly.

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

"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."

Online Network Judgments

At first, Robert didn't plan of going to university and had a job offer for post-secondary education.

Yet he observed his peers enjoying themselves as university attendees on social media.

"When you need to wake up for employment on weekdays at 9:00 and you observe peers partied on the previous evening, you begin believing the grass is greener," Robert explains.

Higher Education Assumptions

Media content and online platforms can glorify the idea of college existence.

Numerous students begin university with great anticipations for what they believe could be the best years of their lives.

Certain attendees arrive at college with "rose-tinted glasses," says a mental health professional.

Survey Findings

• According to research of new students initially, students' biggest concern was fitting in and feeling included
• In another survey by market research agencies, 17% of students said they were without companions at university
• A substantial portion mentioned they worried daily or weekly about making friends

Personal Experiences

Alisha Miah's online videos was populated with clips of girls having fun while sharing accommodation in student houses.

But when Alisha moved from her hometown to university to pursue media studies, she found initial days "daunting" because of how much alcohol it involved.

She abstains from alcohol and had avoided party scenes before.

"I actually passed considerable time initially within my living space," she says. "I just felt a bit alienated."

Emotional Wellbeing Factors

Through current studies of numerous university attendees, 29% said they contemplated withdrawing from studies.

The most common reason was psychological wellbeing, followed by monetary worries.

"Worry regarding these multiple factors is massively common, and typical," adds a counselling expert.

Finding Solutions

Eventually, Robert, Alisha and Christina gradually adjusted and formed relationships.

She formed relationships during classes and via social media, while Christina felt happier after being able to relocate with companions.

Useful Suggestions

Regarding his experience, now 24 and in his final year, it was joining his university's drama society and employment during studies that assisted in relationship building.

Robert's advice to new attendees experiencing connection challenges is to simply leave your accommodation and attend organization sample activities.

"After a few weeks of regular attendance, individuals become familiar with you," Robert says, "you recognise theirs, and you start making friends."