Social Anxiety

I’m planning on starting uni of Liverpool in September and more than anything I am worried about being able to make friends and socialise with people as someone who is super socially anxious.

The thought of ‘freshers week’ scares me, but at the same time I obviously want to make friends- just struggle with it. I’ve even been considering online university as an option, but want to push myself out of my comfort zone.

I think it’ll be hard to force myself to go to events and join societies and I’m hoping I can make friends with people in my lectures as I’m also not a drinker.

I want to be able to look forward to university but this is all I can think about at the moment.

Any advice?

Reply 1

Chloecourtney

I was in the same boat when I moved to Liverpool for LJMU 3 years ago. I did drink quite a bit, unlike yourself. But I managed to make a few friends who were only really drinking buddies at the start. I didn't join a society straight away but managed to make friends in lectures simply by asking if I could sit with people/walk to uni with them. Half way through first year I joined my first society and met so many friends. You have to remember, a lot of societies will also hold sober socials such as movie nights or study sessions, so it is still worth joining societies even if you aren't a huge drinker. I also got a job in my first week of uni, which again helped alot with making friends.
I would say try not to stress too much, and I'm sure you will make friends 😊

Reply 2

Mikaa657

Original post by Anonymous

I’m planning on starting uni of Liverpool in September and more than anything I am worried about being able to make friends and socialise with people as someone who is super socially anxious.
The thought of ‘freshers week’ scares me, but at the same time I obviously want to make friends- just struggle with it. I’ve even been considering online university as an option, but want to push myself out of my comfort zone.
I think it’ll be hard to force myself to go to events and join societies and I’m hoping I can make friends with people in my lectures as I’m also not a drinker.
I want to be able to look forward to university but this is all I can think about at the moment.
Any advice?

I also have social anxiety and how about you try to get a really git friend to go to events and everything will be a lot easier?

Reply 3

UCLan Student

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I’m planning on starting uni of Liverpool in September and more than anything I am worried about being able to make friends and socialise with people as someone who is super socially anxious.
The thought of ‘freshers week’ scares me, but at the same time I obviously want to make friends- just struggle with it. I’ve even been considering online university as an option, but want to push myself out of my comfort zone.
I think it’ll be hard to force myself to go to events and join societies and I’m hoping I can make friends with people in my lectures as I’m also not a drinker.
I want to be able to look forward to university but this is all I can think about at the moment.
Any advice?

Hey there 👋

Nice to meet you, my name is Siobhan and I’m a student at UCLAN 👩*🎓

It’s great that you’ve reached out and I want to reassure you than that you aren’t the only one who is in this situation right now!

Freshers is a great place to explore the uni grounds and meet new people but it is not the only way that you can make friends! Not everyone goes to freshers as it is just not everyone’s cup of tea. It can be quite loud and daunting, especially in an unfamiliar place, so do not feel bad at all if you do not want to go!

If you want to make friends and don’t want to look at societies through freshers, they should be available to sign up for on your uni website! There, you can have a good browse at what interest you without the chit chat, if that is something that you prefer.

There will be endless societies and clubs that you can join with such a diverse crowd of people in each one. There can be ones based on sports, gaming, culture, science and so much more. This means that there is so many opportunities for you to connect to the right people for you 😄

Like you said, you will also make friends in lectures and if you’re living in halls, maybe your flatmates too 🏠

And about the drinking, if it’s not for you then it’s not for you! Don’t feel pressured at all to do what you think people will want as there as loads of people who go to uni and prefer not to drink at all 😊

The best piece of advice I can give you is to do what makes you comfortable. Don’t change yourself to try and fit in and you will find somewhere to fit in!

Hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions at all

Siobhan (3rd year physiotherapy student at UCLAN)

Reply 4

Anonymous #2

Hey, I don’t really have any advice but I am in the same position as you! Very very anxious about freshers and making friends so I just want you to know that you are not the only one feeling this way!! Also I saw on the Student Union website that there is a sober society, so there will definitely be more people who aren’t drinkers!! It is a really stressful time for many people, just try to remember you’re not alone in feeling this way🩷🩷

Reply 5

Liverpool Hope University

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I’m planning on starting uni of Liverpool in September and more than anything I am worried about being able to make friends and socialise with people as someone who is super socially anxious.
The thought of ‘freshers week’ scares me, but at the same time I obviously want to make friends- just struggle with it. I’ve even been considering online university as an option, but want to push myself out of my comfort zone.
I think it’ll be hard to force myself to go to events and join societies and I’m hoping I can make friends with people in my lectures as I’m also not a drinker.
I want to be able to look forward to university but this is all I can think about at the moment.
Any advice?

Hi there!

I felt exactly the same when I was about to start university so i completely understand the anxieties. I think you're doing the right thing in terms of knowing you need to leave your comfort zone slightly. I'd advise you take small steps outside your comfort zone so you don't completely throw yourself in at the deep end. There will be plenty of events on across Liverpool during freshers week aimed at all different students and peoples likes and interests. Despite what is often portrayed being a university student and not drinking/clubbing isn't actually a big deal. There will be plenty of others who are the same. I would definitely try to make friends on your course or flat mates it may be a bit daunting to begin with but everyone will be feeling the same.

I would also look at what societies are at Uni of Liverpool so you can see if there are any that really stand out to you. If you see a society that links to something you are really passionate about I'd encourage you to join it. I did this and it was so out of my own comfort zone but it was really fun to get to know each other and seeing as well all had a mutual interest, it wasn't difficult to break the ice.

It may help you feel slightly less anxious but I know its easier said than done. Good Luck at university! I'm sure you'll have an amazing time.

I hope this helps.
Daisy- Graduate Advocate 🙂

Reply 6

Ccreds

There’s something for everyone at uni so don’t worry about it now. If you end up wanting a good degree like a first there won’t be much time left for socials outside of the 1st year anyway.

For everything else there’s enneagram.