No friends...feeling lonely

I'm second year and same... My uni social life is nonexistent. I feel so bad when I compare my experience to my friends who are at other unis. As soon as the rush of freshers was over last year it felt like no one was interested in making friends anymore since they'd already established their groups. Part of me can't wait to leave but at the same time it's so depressing to think of how much of the uni experience I've missed out on. It feels too late to join socieities this far into term as well

I’m a first year here and currently struggling to make friends too, I was given birks grange when I applied for lafrowda, Germans and rowe. I feel like I’m miles away from everything. I don’t get on with my flatmates as much as I’d like to as they’re just not my type of people

For context, I'm a 3rd-year student at Exeter on Streatham campus. From the first 2 years of my time here, I can count the number of interactions I've had with anyone on both hands. No nights out, no social events and no one has ever talked to me, despite attending halls during the first year. Due to the fact I didn't form any friendships over the first year, it seems like there is no way for me to make friends from already established groups on my course. I have some friends outside of the uni, but we only have a few night outs during the holiday weeks.
I attended lectures but didn't make any effort to join a society until last week. All of the societies seem to be online though so there is no way for me to meet people IRL. My only outlet is going to the gym. I have been going 3-4x a week since the 2nd term of year 1, mostly to take care of myself and prevent any real mental decline or spiral.

I am introverted and shy, so socialising doesn't come easy for me, but I really want to make an effort now. I have missed out on the university experience completely...

I just wanted to post something here because with COVID it seems things have become even more hopeless. I feel isolated in my studio flat... and the wellbeing team here doesn't seem to care. If anyone wants to have a night out or do anything really... I am down. I don't care what year or who you are or what we do, but any social interaction would be meaningful to me at this point...

same tbh, i really like my roommates and get along with them well but other than that i'm pretty much alone. its exacerbated even more than usual since i'm an asian student and have barely met any other asian students, so it's been hard. would be down to hang out as well, i'm just lonely lol

Just wanted to put this out there, you're not alone. I'm 19 and can't remember ever going out with anyone outside school except to the library with someone who isn't good at communicating at all


Sorry if it's random. From your name are you Japanese? I'm trying so hard to learn it and thought you could help if you don't mind

thanks for the encouragement ^^ i'm actually a hongkonger, but i can speak japanese fluently. i'm probably a really crap teacher but i can try with the basics

I'm in Birks too! I get what you're saying about it feeling miles from everywhere. I get along with my flatmates but I only really click with two of them (there's 7 of us) one of whom is quite different from me and the other quite similar. The rest not so much, it really feels like they didn't do a great job of matching our personalities. I joined the art society but unfortunetaly it's all online at the moment and I'm not so great in zoom calls, hoping I'll be able to get to know some people better after things start opening up but who knows if that'll even happen during year 1 at this rate. If it doesn't I don't know how I'll find people to house share with next year. I'm quite introverted but I'd be down to meet up or go for a walk or something with anyone if they want to