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

Students sharing experiences
Robert and Christina share their experiences of college living.

A student named Robert spent most of his orientation week browsing through online platforms, seeing content about fellow students partying.

"I remained in my room," Robert remembers, depicting those days as the most isolated period of his life.

Robert's flatmates seldom socialized, and his studies didn't appear very sociable.

Even though he made efforts by attending trial events for multiple organizations, he couldn't find his people.

"I began losing my confidence," he says. "It seemed that individuals didn't desire to become my friends, or they didn't like me."

Digital Platform Contrasts

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

However he observed his peers having great fun as university attendees on social media.

"When you must rise for your job during the week at nine in the morning and you notice others went out on Wednesday night, you do start thinking situations appear superior," Robert explains.

Higher Education Assumptions

TV shows and social media can romanticize the concept of student life.

Numerous students come to university with great anticipations for what they think could be the best years of their lives.

Certain attendees arrive at college with "idealistic views," says a support services coordinator.

Study Outcomes

  • In a poll of new students initially, students' biggest concern was fitting in and being accepted
  • In another survey by market research agencies, 17% of students said they had no friends at university
  • 37% said they worried daily or weekly about making friends

Personal Journeys

A different attendee's social media content was full of videos of girls having fun while sharing accommodation in student houses.

However when she relocated from her previous location to campus to learn reporting, she found orientation period "daunting" because of the drinking culture it involved.

She abstains from alcohol and had never been clubbing before.

"I actually passed a lot of freshers' week in my room," she says. "I merely sensed slightly disconnected."

Psychological Aspects

Through current studies of over ten thousand undergraduate students, a significant portion mentioned they contemplated leaving university.

The most common reason was their mental and emotional health, accompanied by financial concerns.

"Anxiety about these multiple factors is massively common, and typical," notes a support specialist.

Identifying Resolutions

With time, all three individuals gradually adjusted and formed relationships.

She built connections during classes and via social media, while another student became more content once she was able to share accommodation with peers.

Helpful Recommendations

Regarding his experience, presently older and in his final year, it was engaging in performance groups and getting a part-time job that helped him make friends.

His recommendation to beginning learners finding social interaction difficult is to just "get out of your room" and attend organization sample activities.

"After a few weeks of consistently showing up, individuals become familiar with you," he explains, "you recognise theirs, and you start making friends."

Mary Moore
Mary Moore

A tech strategist with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and business transformation, passionate about empowering companies through technology.