How to cope with loneliness in your first year of university

How to cope with loneliness in your first year of university

Struggling to find your place at university? You’re not the only one. Robert Medhurst’s experience during freshers’ week was far from the exciting nights out he saw on social media. Feeling isolated in a flat with uninvolved roommates, Robert couldn’t find his groove within his course or various societies. Despite attempting to put himself out there, he felt rejected and out of place, ultimately losing his confidence.

Initially, Robert had no plans for university and had a secure job offer after sixth form. But seeing the university experience his friends were having online made him reconsider. Choosing Nottingham Trent University for its renowned student life, Robert quickly found himself questioning if he had made the right decision, overwhelmed by social media portrayals of the typical student life filled with camaraderie.

For Alisha Miah, moving from London to Sheffield for journalism studies brought unexpected challenges during freshers’ week. Overwhelmed by the alcohol-centric activities, Alisha found herself isolated in her room, feeling like an outsider. Her anxiety persisted in the following months, highlighting the difficulties of transitioning to university life, especially when feeling disconnected from the typical social scene.

Although the start of university life may not always align with expectations, many students manage to find their footing with time. By reaching out and engaging in various activities, students like Robert, Alisha, and Christina Aaliyah Davis were able to form friendships and feel more at ease within their academic communities. The key, according to Robert, is to push yourself out of your comfort zone and participate in different events until you find your niche, ultimately leading to a sense of belonging and connection

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More