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lonely at uni

Hello, I was just wondering if anyone else felt extremely lonely and quite depressed about the first couple weeks at uni. For reference I would consider myself quite an artsy and introverted person (i’m not taking an artsy degree at all) and I find it quite hard to be extremely social with people but when i’m comfortable i can be quite outgoing. The issue is that it now seems like a lot of people are in groups after freshers and in my course - i’ve tried to make friends in my course and although I do have friends and they’re quite nice they’re just not that similar to me at all/not my type of person. I also haven’t really found anyone with a similar music taste as me or a similar style in clothes as me and idk whether it’s the uni I went to or whether i’m just looking in the wrong places. I was wondering if anyone else was maybe feeling like this and maybe a bit out of place in a lot of conversations (i’m quite soft spoken so I usually get talked over too)? If anyone has any advice please let me know !

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Reply 1
hey, I can relate to parts of this and I'm so sorry that you're going through this - you're not alone in feeling this way. each year at uni is a huge adjustment with a bunch of change that can be so overwhelming in ways that you can't even process until you are truly feeling depressed/lonely/anxious or worse. I think that if the people on your course are not your 'type' of people, then that always can't be helped - I think you should try looking at some taster sessions for societies that appeal to you and immerse yourself in the areas in which you're interested in music and arts-wise. You could ask your course mates or uni flatmates if they want to join you if you're comfortable, or if you're up for it you can go alone and try and hopefully you can make a friend along the way. Exchange socials or ask if anyone is free for a coffee/wants to join you to the uni canteen after your classes (or wherever the spot is on campus you go). I don't know what your uni has or offers, but you could see if you could join the societies for other courses/departments, as they're often open to all (with the exception of some like certain law societies perhaps) who show interest in the subject. Look at the societies that your uni offers and try to find any that you like on instagram. you don't have to be a member or anything, but at least you can get a taste of the kinds of people that are looking at this stuff and who the events are catered for - however you'll most likely not know exactly what you're in for unless you try them! Get yourself out there (I know you're trying) and I'm sure that you can find some people, just don't feel like you're under a ticking time bomb because of a possible cliquey culture forming - this is uni, not high school - and a couple close and likeminded friends are better than a giant clique.

On a separate note about you mentioning about getting talked over: I am a rather shy person myself, but I have boundaries and that does not make people who know me, challenge me in any way once they find out they're in place. If anyone does talk over you - which they shouldn't do in the first place, given how incredibly inconsiderate it is - simply say that you're not finished. It doesn't have to sound rude or sarcastic (I would in fact discourage that). I also do this with my friends as well as in class if they interrupt me, and if anything those small boundaries have actually allowed us to grow more mutual respect for each other.

You can do this, and if it gets any worse, please don't keep it to yourself. Talk to your tutor or coordinator if you have either, and check out the well-being support that your uni offers. I'd be tempted to do this anyway, given that the appointments are normally at least two weeks later at the bare minimum, and you can always reschedule or cancel. Best of luck :smile:
Reply 2
Original post by amelia.mccabe
Hello, I was just wondering if anyone else felt extremely lonely and quite depressed about the first couple weeks at uni. For reference I would consider myself quite an artsy and introverted person (i’m not taking an artsy degree at all) and I find it quite hard to be extremely social with people but when i’m comfortable i can be quite outgoing. The issue is that it now seems like a lot of people are in groups after freshers and in my course - i’ve tried to make friends in my course and although I do have friends and they’re quite nice they’re just not that similar to me at all/not my type of person. I also haven’t really found anyone with a similar music taste as me or a similar style in clothes as me and idk whether it’s the uni I went to or whether i’m just looking in the wrong places. I was wondering if anyone else was maybe feeling like this and maybe a bit out of place in a lot of conversations (i’m quite soft spoken so I usually get talked over too)? If anyone has any advice please let me know !

Hi there, I can relate as I have a similar personality and went through pretty much the same experience during my first year, exacerbated by the fact it was during the height of covid. Now I'm in my final year and while I have friends, I can't say that we're incredibly close or that they share my main interests, and I have gone through some difficult patches with feeling low/depressed about things.

I can offer you some advice based on my past few years of dealing with these issues - firstly while I understand it can be difficult to build close friendships with people who are not that similar to you, it's great that you have made a few friends already. You shouldn't take this for granted and remember to keep an open mind. When I left secondary school I had this idea that I would find 'my people' and had a very narrow vision in mind of who these people would be. I think this prevented me a bit from approaching people or being proactive because I would decide within a few minutes that X person wouldn't want to be my friend or I didn't want to be friends with them because of this or that reason.

However, more often than not, the people who I really wanted to be friends with because they had a cool style or had a certain music taste were cliquey and unfriendly. I wish I had been more proactive and had followed up with people who I liked because of their personality. That would be my number one advice - if you like someone, ask them to go for a coffee, a society meetup, event, anything and keep following up. The chances are if you wait for someone to make the first move, then nothing will happen because they're expecting you to do the same. It can sometimes be just a numbers game, socialising as much as possible - no matter how daunting it is - and hoping that you meet someone that you vibe with, then keep making plans with that person. Making friends in your 20s/at university is not the same as in school or college. It takes a lot of work and perseverance and unfortunately some people are not willing to make the effort, especially if you are on the quieter/more introverted side, but some people will be.

I would also give you the standard advice about joining societies (preferably ones that offer an activity rather than just sitting down somewhere and talking, as in my experience the loudest people tend to dominate the group conversation), talking to people on your course and downloading Bumble BFF. Give everyone a chance because sometimes the people that you wouldn't expect end up being the people you connect the most with. Sharing your interests with people can be very rewarding and can introduce you to new hobbies and interests in return.

**However, don't be completely indiscriminate - the last thing you want is to be stuck with a toxic friend during your first year at university because you ignored red flags. Have the confidence to set boundaries and keep positive people in your life :smile:

Ultimately, don't be too hard on yourself and remember that you're doing very well just to be surviving during a time when you're experiencing a lot of change and pressure. Persevere with making friends but know that if you don't end up finding your people, it is not the end of the world and you will be absolutely fine. There's a whole world out there beyond university. The pressure and expectation to make friends, rather than a lack of friends in and of itself, can sometimes actually be the thing that is making you feel bad, and once you take that pressure off yourself it's a lot easier.

Don't suffer in silence if you are feeling lonely and depressed. It's perfectly ok to go home for the weekend if that's possible for you and if you feel that it would help. Similarly, talk to your personal tutor if you feel comfortable approaching them, or a counsellor. Remember, you are doing really well and the next few years of your course will go past quite quickly, so focus on the positives and the things that you enjoy. Even if it may not seem like it, there are many people going through exactly the same thing and while things don't feel like they're going well at the moment, it WILL get better. :hugs:
(edited 7 months ago)
Original post by amelia.mccabe
Hello, I was just wondering if anyone else felt extremely lonely and quite depressed about the first couple weeks at uni. For reference I would consider myself quite an artsy and introverted person (i’m not taking an artsy degree at all) and I find it quite hard to be extremely social with people but when i’m comfortable i can be quite outgoing. The issue is that it now seems like a lot of people are in groups after freshers and in my course - i’ve tried to make friends in my course and although I do have friends and they’re quite nice they’re just not that similar to me at all/not my type of person. I also haven’t really found anyone with a similar music taste as me or a similar style in clothes as me and idk whether it’s the uni I went to or whether i’m just looking in the wrong places. I was wondering if anyone else was maybe feeling like this and maybe a bit out of place in a lot of conversations (i’m quite soft spoken so I usually get talked over too)? If anyone has any advice please let me know !


Hi there

Sorry to hear that you are feeling upset. I can relate as I am also quite introverted and struggled at the start of University. It is quite normal to feel this way, and you are definitely not on your own.

I know it seems like groups may be forming already, but there will always be new people joining/ leaving/ moving groups. (and this happens throughout the year). I would recommend looking at societies your University offers. You may be able to find people with similar hobbies and personalities by attending societies, this is how I met most my friends :smile:. Another thing you can look out for is any support for freshers that Universities offer. It is perfectly normal to be stressed or feeling homesick at the start of University, which is why there are a lot of support/ networking events available. Check out more events that you would feel comfortable going to and give it a go! (for me it would be art sessions over clubbing events). (If you feel uncomfortable going alone, you could always ask your flatmates/ friends to come with you, so you can all meet new people together.)

Take your time to meet people, and I am sure you find your group! :smile:
I hope this helps! :smile:
Chloe
-University of Kent Student Rep
Original post by amelia.mccabe
Hello, I was just wondering if anyone else felt extremely lonely and quite depressed about the first couple weeks at uni. For reference I would consider myself quite an artsy and introverted person (i’m not taking an artsy degree at all) and I find it quite hard to be extremely social with people but when i’m comfortable i can be quite outgoing. The issue is that it now seems like a lot of people are in groups after freshers and in my course - i’ve tried to make friends in my course and although I do have friends and they’re quite nice they’re just not that similar to me at all/not my type of person. I also haven’t really found anyone with a similar music taste as me or a similar style in clothes as me and idk whether it’s the uni I went to or whether i’m just looking in the wrong places. I was wondering if anyone else was maybe feeling like this and maybe a bit out of place in a lot of conversations (i’m quite soft spoken so I usually get talked over too)? If anyone has any advice please let me know !

@amelia.mccabe

It's great when you have friends who like the same kind of music as you and who have the same fashion sense, but a friend is so much more than that! You want people who will encourage you when you're feeling down, who will offer to help you if you have a problem, who will take the time to listen to you when you're feeling stressed or who will be happy for you when something good happens. You want people who are easy to talk to and enjoy spending time with you. So even, though it's great if you have some things in common, you don't have to have everything in common!

You might need to reassess what you are looking for in a friend. You might have already met some great people, though they might need to improve their listening skills! It takes time to get to know someone so try not to be too quick to assume that this person or that person will not make a good friend. You might have more in common with them than you think e.g. values, beliefs, etc...

All the best,

Oluwatosin 3rd year student University of Huddersfield
Hi there!

I'm sorry you're feeling this way.

You're not the only one feeling lonely or anxious throughout your first weeks of university. Remeber this is a big change for numerous studnts.

Have you tried joining any clubs or societies at your university? There should be a few that might interest you.

Additionally, classes just started so there is time for you to get to know your fellow coursemates. Have you tried starting a coversation with someone? Perhaps they have friend groups to which they can introduce you.

Also, unfortunately, many of these "friend group" won't last until the end of the year, as so many people change throughout university, it's inevitable.

Lastly, don't be scared to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Maybe befriending someone with a different taste in music, fashion or aesthetic could be a great opportunity and the start of an amazing friendship!

I hope I managed to help!

Let me know if there's anything else I can do (I just finished my 3rd year so I was in a very similar situation as you).

Best of luck,
Melanie
LSBU Rep
Reply 6
Original post by amelia.mccabe
Hello, I was just wondering if anyone else felt extremely lonely and quite depressed about the first couple weeks at uni. For reference I would consider myself quite an artsy and introverted person (i’m not taking an artsy degree at all) and I find it quite hard to be extremely social with people but when i’m comfortable i can be quite outgoing. The issue is that it now seems like a lot of people are in groups after freshers and in my course - i’ve tried to make friends in my course and although I do have friends and they’re quite nice they’re just not that similar to me at all/not my type of person. I also haven’t really found anyone with a similar music taste as me or a similar style in clothes as me and idk whether it’s the uni I went to or whether i’m just looking in the wrong places. I was wondering if anyone else was maybe feeling like this and maybe a bit out of place in a lot of conversations (i’m quite soft spoken so I usually get talked over too)? If anyone has any advice please let me know !

Hey! I’m struggling with the same issue, feeling so lonely at uni atm and I’m only 5 weeks in :’) my flatmates are giving me the cold shoulder. If you wanna chat I’d be down!
Reply 7
Original post by Wooble05
Hey! I’m struggling with the same issue, feeling so lonely at uni atm and I’m only 5 weeks in :’) my flatmates are giving me the cold shoulder. If you wanna chat I’d be down!

Oh no, why they freezing u out?
Reply 8
Original post by OmiCronP8
Oh no, why they freezing u out?

I don’t really know, but I think we’re all fed up of each other, so having a bit of space? feel like they are target me at times and they don’t seem to invite me places with them as much anymore. A few of them are really close with each other and then I’m just there 🥲 we don’t have much in common in both status and interests.
Feels the same with the people on my course, I worry I’m a burden trying to insert myself in their group/lunchtime conversations. I have a very small course unfortunately… but then I don’t wanna look sad asf because I don’t have any friends to sit with.
Reply 9
Original post by Wooble05
I don’t really know, but I think we’re all fed up of each other, so having a bit of space? feel like they are target me at times and they don’t seem to invite me places with them as much anymore. A few of them are really close with each other and then I’m just there 🥲 we don’t have much in common in both status and interests.
Feels the same with the people on my course, I worry I’m a burden trying to insert myself in their group/lunchtime conversations. I have a very small course unfortunately… but then I don’t wanna look sad asf because I don’t have any friends to sit with.

Yeah I know whay u mean. It can be hard in that situation. Sorry, I dont have any advice. Just to keep your head up, you will click into it with some friends soon
Original post by amelia.mccabe
Hello, I was just wondering if anyone else felt extremely lonely and quite depressed about the first couple weeks at uni. For reference I would consider myself quite an artsy and introverted person (i’m not taking an artsy degree at all) and I find it quite hard to be extremely social with people but when i’m comfortable i can be quite outgoing. The issue is that it now seems like a lot of people are in groups after freshers and in my course - i’ve tried to make friends in my course and although I do have friends and they’re quite nice they’re just not that similar to me at all/not my type of person. I also haven’t really found anyone with a similar music taste as me or a similar style in clothes as me and idk whether it’s the uni I went to or whether i’m just looking in the wrong places. I was wondering if anyone else was maybe feeling like this and maybe a bit out of place in a lot of conversations (i’m quite soft spoken so I usually get talked over too)? If anyone has any advice please let me know !


I'd say it's quite normal to be feeling the way you are, university is a big step regardless of your personality and it can take some time to adjust. My top advice is to join a club or society so you already have common ground with the people. They often hold social events too. Working part-time as a student ambassador has also helped me to gain confidence and make new friends.
Original post by Wooble05
Hey! I’m struggling with the same issue, feeling so lonely at uni atm and I’m only 5 weeks in :’) my flatmates are giving me the cold shoulder. If you wanna chat I’d be down!

@Wooble05

Are there other people you can talk to in the block? Try not to take it personally if your flatmates are being off with you, flatmates can be funny sometimes :hmmmm:. They could also be stuff going on in their lives!

Have you tried joining some societies or looked at volunteering opportunities?

Maybe you can try and get to know people better from your course. You could try spending time with them outside of university e.g. asking if people want to go the cinema or go bowling at the weekend.

You could also ask someone if they want to meet up to study at the library. You could then go for a coffee afterwards so that you can get to know them better.

It can sometimes be difficult to get to know people in a group. You can often end up just listening to others without really being part of the conversation, so do try to ask questions to the different people your sitting with and perhaps try sitting with smaller groups of people.

All the best,

Oluwatosin 3rd year student University of Huddersfield
Reply 12
Original post by amelia.mccabe
Hello, I was just wondering if anyone else felt extremely lonely and quite depressed about the first couple weeks at uni. For reference I would consider myself quite an artsy and introverted person (i’m not taking an artsy degree at all) and I find it quite hard to be extremely social with people but when i’m comfortable i can be quite outgoing. The issue is that it now seems like a lot of people are in groups after freshers and in my course - i’ve tried to make friends in my course and although I do have friends and they’re quite nice they’re just not that similar to me at all/not my type of person. I also haven’t really found anyone with a similar music taste as me or a similar style in clothes as me and idk whether it’s the uni I went to or whether i’m just looking in the wrong places. I was wondering if anyone else was maybe feeling like this and maybe a bit out of place in a lot of conversations (i’m quite soft spoken so I usually get talked over too)? If anyone has any advice please let me know !

hi there, i am a first year and feel the exact same is you, its so hard isnt it. i feel like i havent found my people even thought i have tried. what uni are you at if you dont mind me asking?
Original post by amelia.mccabe
Hello, I was just wondering if anyone else felt extremely lonely and quite depressed about the first couple weeks at uni. For reference I would consider myself quite an artsy and introverted person (i’m not taking an artsy degree at all) and I find it quite hard to be extremely social with people but when i’m comfortable i can be quite outgoing. The issue is that it now seems like a lot of people are in groups after freshers and in my course - i’ve tried to make friends in my course and although I do have friends and they’re quite nice they’re just not that similar to me at all/not my type of person. I also haven’t really found anyone with a similar music taste as me or a similar style in clothes as me and idk whether it’s the uni I went to or whether i’m just looking in the wrong places. I was wondering if anyone else was maybe feeling like this and maybe a bit out of place in a lot of conversations (i’m quite soft spoken so I usually get talked over too)? If anyone has any advice please let me know !

Hey,
I'm going through a similar thing at the moment, you're not alone!
I spent the last 6 weeks of uni bedridden, unwell and haven't made any friends. Everyone's met their groups so it's hard to squeeze my way in now.

Joining societies is apparently meant to be helpful, I've signed up to a bunch as well as volunteering to hopefully help. I'm like you, soft spoken, often spoken over and I have terrible anxiety when it comes to meeting new people, I can't just throw myself into a conversation with someone.

Know that you're not alone. The people around you are probably also feeling similar, even if they've made friends and seem like they've managed to do quite well socially. Just try reaching out to people, make the first move to those you've met already and ask if they want to go for a coffee, or people on your course if they want to do a group study session. It's hard but once you've pushed yourself and gotten yourself out there it'll get so much easier
As an additional response, if any of you want to chat just let me know. I'm happy to make friends with you all on here (I know it's not the same as friends in person at university with you but it's nice to have someone). My names Lucy and I'm a first year student doing Sociology with Spanish.
Original post by University of Huddersfield
Anon,

It's awful that you are not having a great experience with your flatmates. Is there any reason why you think they might have changed/ be so funny with you?

Your safety and you're wellbeing is paramount, so do keep making a fuss about wanting to switch flats. You shouldn't feel harassed in your own accommodation. If you don't want to go clubbing with them, it's your choice. You might just need to make it clear that you are willing to spend time with them (if you are comfortable doing that), but that you are not interested in clubbing.

You also have to eat! Whether you store some food in your room that you can eat if you feel really uncomfortable. or whether you grab food from the kitchen that doesn't require you to spend a long time cooking, you have to look after your health. Remember you are paying rent (I assume a considerable amount, so you should definitely make use of the kitchen facilities). It's also good to eat hot food especially as it gets colder.

Hope you can switch flats soon!

All the best,

Oluwatosin 3rd year student University of Huddersfield

Hi there, thank you for your reply
yeah, i always make sure to eat now even if its just a pot noodle or something i run into the kitchen and make quickly once they have all gone to bed or gone out. I genuinely couldn't tell you why they suddenly turned, it may be to do with the fact that i spent alot of time with them during freshers and then essentially just disappeared but in all honesty if thats why i am not going to apologise or try and talk to them as what stopped me from sort of sticking with them is mainly because i didn't click with them but also i was a like laughing point of theirs - they used me as a dare essentially and it felt awful. I'm not sure what happened really but they are not my favourite people that is for sure. I will chase up the uni again however i know i am low down on the priority list, however i was going to maybe try and post in the halls facebook group or something and see if anybody wants to swap, the group isnt really active anymore but its worth a shot i thought.
Thank you for taking the time to reply, i appreciate it loads
:smile:
Reply 16
Original post by Lx_chxrlx_2004
As an additional response, if any of you want to chat just let me know. I'm happy to make friends with you all on here (I know it's not the same as friends in person at university with you but it's nice to have someone). My names Lucy and I'm a first year student doing Sociology with Spanish.

hey! i relate to your post so much. Its so hard, and i found the first few weeks of uni so tough i wasnt really able to make friends and now it feels like people have their groups. Id be up for a chat whenever 🙂
Original post by berka24
hey! i relate to your post so much. Its so hard, and i found the first few weeks of uni so tough i wasnt really able to make friends and now it feels like people have their groups. Id be up for a chat whenever 🙂

I'll make sure to message you as soon as I'm able to! I'm very new on the site so I can't send a dm yet 😭
Original post by amelia.mccabe
Hello, I was just wondering if anyone else felt extremely lonely and quite depressed about the first couple weeks at uni. For reference I would consider myself quite an artsy and introverted person (i’m not taking an artsy degree at all) and I find it quite hard to be extremely social with people but when i’m comfortable i can be quite outgoing. The issue is that it now seems like a lot of people are in groups after freshers and in my course - i’ve tried to make friends in my course and although I do have friends and they’re quite nice they’re just not that similar to me at all/not my type of person. I also haven’t really found anyone with a similar music taste as me or a similar style in clothes as me and idk whether it’s the uni I went to or whether i’m just looking in the wrong places. I was wondering if anyone else was maybe feeling like this and maybe a bit out of place in a lot of conversations (i’m quite soft spoken so I usually get talked over too)? If anyone has any advice please let me know !

maybe if u stanned loona
Original post by Anonymous
Hi there, thank you for your reply
yeah, i always make sure to eat now even if its just a pot noodle or something i run into the kitchen and make quickly once they have all gone to bed or gone out. I genuinely couldn't tell you why they suddenly turned, it may be to do with the fact that i spent alot of time with them during freshers and then essentially just disappeared but in all honesty if thats why i am not going to apologise or try and talk to them as what stopped me from sort of sticking with them is mainly because i didn't click with them but also i was a like laughing point of theirs - they used me as a dare essentially and it felt awful. I'm not sure what happened really but they are not my favourite people that is for sure. I will chase up the uni again however i know i am low down on the priority list, however i was going to maybe try and post in the halls facebook group or something and see if anybody wants to swap, the group isnt really active anymore but its worth a shot i thought.
Thank you for taking the time to reply, i appreciate it loads
:smile:

Anon,

You need more than a pot noodle to keep you going (!), though I am glad you are eating something. You might have to stress to the university that you have felt bullied by your housemates, that you haven't been eating properly and that you are concerned for your general wellbeing.

I know that you don't want to worry your family, but it might be your parent getting on the phone to your uni that gets them to speed up in finding you somewhere else!

Your family won't want your studies suffering or your physical and mental wellbeing being affected, so do talk to them as they might be able to suggest some alternative ideas e.g. a family friend who doesn't live too far away from your uni that you could stay with temporarily.

Hope things get better soon,

Oluwatosin 3rd year student University of Huddersfield
(edited 5 months ago)

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