A new report highlights growing concerns over loneliness among first-year university students across the UK. Many freshers say their experience falls short of expectations shaped by social media and TV portrayals of student life.
A recent survey by Cibyl found that 17% of students had no friends at university, while 37% worried regularly about making friends. Experts say the transition from school to university can be daunting, with many students facing emotional and financial pressures.
Robert Medhurst, a business student at Nottingham Trent, described his freshers’ week as “the loneliest time of his life,” despite choosing the university for its vibrant reputation. Similarly, Alisha Miah, a journalism student in Sheffield, found the alcohol-heavy social scene alienating, saying she spent much of her first week alone in her room.
A recent survey by Cibyl found that 17% of students had no friends at university, while 37% worried regularly about making friends. Experts say the transition from school to university can be daunting, with many students facing emotional and financial pressures.
Counsellors urge students to seek connection through societies, part-time work, and volunteering. As Robert advises: “Leave your room, keep showing up, and eventually, friendships will form.”
