No friends at uni

I've been living at home during my first year of uni which has been during covid and I hardly have any friends. I haven't met anyone I'm particularly close to which is why I'll also be living at home next year as I haven't found anyone to hang out with.
It's been a though year as one of my parents has moved away with my siblings and one I live with however they were very unwell so I had to care for them for a bit.
It's just been a stressful time if I'm being honest. I've joined the football team which is good but most people are in other years. I speak to a range of people on my course but I'm never invited to anything or get asked to do things with any of them.
I just feel so alone and literally have no one.

Hi, which uni do you go to?
If they aren't asking you then you should ask them. Just drop a message in the group chat or something asking if anyone wants to go out. I'm a first year at uni too and a lot of people that I have talked to have found it hard finding people to hang out with which is totally normal considering it's been a weird year.

I've mainly been the one initiating convos and asking people to go out and stuff which is fine but seems very one sided if you get me? I guess I just feel a bit hopeless that people are going to find their groups of friends and that I won't really find anyone.

I've been living at home during my first year of uni which has been during covid and I hardly have any friends. I haven't met anyone I'm particularly close to which is why I'll also be living at home next year as I haven't found anyone to hang out with.
It's been a though year as one of my parents has moved away with my siblings and one I live with however they were very unwell so I had to care for them for a bit.
It's just been a stressful time if I'm being honest. I've joined the football team which is good but most people are in other years. I speak to a range of people on my course but I'm never invited to anything or get asked to do things with any of them.
I just feel so alone and literally have no one.

Hi @Anonymous
I’m sorry you feel that way! It’s definitely been harder to make friends this year. I highly suggest looking at joining a society even if it’s just virtual it’s a great way to meet people with similar interests to you. Also have a look to see what events your university puts on, many do welfare events, socialising events etc where you can meet people. Also have a look out for part time work, volunteering or work experience even if they are virtual they can be a great way to communicate with people of a similar age to you. If your uni has a welfare team or a transitions team to help you settle in you can always ask their advice on where to meet people.
Good look making friends! Hopefully as things open up it will get easier for you !
Lancaster university student ambassador Holly

Hi there,

I'm so sorry that you're feeling like this, and hopefully by sharing your experience you'll be able to get a lot of helpful responses

If in your position, I would talk to my academic advisor and explain how I feel. Academic advisors / personal tutors are there for a reason, and they're usually all super approachable. They'll be able to direct you to your university's different initiatives, or opportunities in order for you to make some friends. As well, have a look and see if there's the opportunity to be paired with a peer mentor, as they're great when looking for someone to talk to - as it's more likely than not that they have experienced what youre feeling. They usually give great advice, and again student opportunities you can get yourself involved in.

I also hope that you do not feel alone; so many are experiencing similar things to you. It's been an incredibly difficult year so don't forget to pat yourself on the back!

Ana
University of Liverpool Rep.

You're not alone, especially this past year. Have you been to see anyone in your SU? They were really helpful with my brother.

I haven't actually. I guess I'll probably try that at some point. Just feeling a bit overwhelmed looking for friends. Just feels like no one wants to actually get to know you when they have friends already if you know what I mean. I hope people don't feel like that next year too otherwise I'll really struggle finding people. Just quite worried about this.

I've been living at home during my first year of uni which has been during covid and I hardly have any friends. I haven't met anyone I'm particularly close to which is why I'll also be living at home next year as I haven't found anyone to hang out with.
It's been a though year as one of my parents has moved away with my siblings and one I live with however they were very unwell so I had to care for them for a bit.
It's just been a stressful time if I'm being honest. I've joined the football team which is good but most people are in other years. I speak to a range of people on my course but I'm never invited to anything or get asked to do things with any of them.
I just feel so alone and literally have no one.

I hope so. I guess I want to talk to my tutor but they would probably just say the same things such as joining societies and stuff which I've been doing as much as I can but I guess it's just got to a point where I feel like I'm putting in a fair bit of effort and not much is coming out of it? I might stop until exams are over because I feel like I'm neglecting my studies just worrying about this all the time. I'm not really sure. Thank you for your response, I appreciate it.