Is it worth applying somewhere else bc I have no friends

Basically what the title says. A week into the second term and I have literally zero friends, including even making small talk with the people in my flat or my lectures. I made an effort in the first term and joined societies and tried to reach out to people and everything but it just didn't work. I always see people saying 'it'll all work out! You'll me your people!' but I know that the reality is that isn't true at all. I also see people saying things like 'well I didnt find my people until the third year' but I literally don't think I can handle being this alone for that long?? And I also don't want to miss out on two years of a uni social life. And if I want to make the decision to drop out and reapply it needs to be done ASAP because I would wanna start at a new uni this year. So i wouldn't be able to say, give it a few months to see how it goes, because I'll have no time left and would have to start in 2026 (which i DEFINITELY wouldn't want to do)

Basically just really unhappy and thinking of dropping out and then trying to get into a different uni for the next academic year (I got A*AB at A level so I think I have good chances). I was thinking of looking at Bristol, Sheffield or Liverpool to apply for. Just don't know if it's worth the hassle of starting all over again and taking out MORE money for student loan just because I've got no mates. All the ones I'm looking at applying to are lower ranked than the one I'm currently going to as well

Reply 1

ashvin127

don't forget the main reason you're going to university is for a degree and to find a job after it.

Reply 2

Surnia

What do you mean by "it just didn't work" and why do you think it will be different elsewhere?

What haven't you connected with.people on your or other courses or in societies where you have common interests? What about off-campus?

Reply 3

YSJstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Basically what the title says. A week into the second term and I have literally zero friends, including even making small talk with the people in my flat or my lectures. I made an effort in the first term and joined societies and tried to reach out to people and everything but it just didn't work. I always see people saying 'it'll all work out! You'll me your people!' but I know that the reality is that isn't true at all. I also see people saying things like 'well I didnt find my people until the third year' but I literally don't think I can handle being this alone for that long?? And I also don't want to miss out on two years of a uni social life. And if I want to make the decision to drop out and reapply it needs to be done ASAP because I would wanna start at a new uni this year. So i wouldn't be able to say, give it a few months to see how it goes, because I'll have no time left and would have to start in 2026 (which i DEFINITELY wouldn't want to do)
Basically just really unhappy and thinking of dropping out and then trying to get into a different uni for the next academic year (I got A*AB at A level so I think I have good chances). I was thinking of looking at Bristol, Sheffield or Liverpool to apply for. Just don't know if it's worth the hassle of starting all over again and taking out MORE money for student loan just because I've got no mates. All the ones I'm looking at applying to are lower ranked than the one I'm currently going to as well

Hi there! First of all, sorry to hear about this. I too in my first-year really struggled to meet people. I'm in my third-year and hope my story can help you a little.

I came to university with my partner, and we moved in together straight away. Because of that, I didn't make any friends through halls. I'd hoped to get to know some people from my lectures but caught COVID during freshers. This then meant I missed my first month of lectures, and by the time I could start going, everyone had already found their friendship groups. It took me until the last 6 weeks of first year to make any real friends, which happened when I least expected it. I was put with a group for a presentation and we've all been friends ever since. At the start of second year, I got a job as a student ambassador. Work is how I've made most of my friends! When you end up on long shifts with people, you naturally talk. If you haven't got a job, I'd maybe recommend seeing if the university has any going. It means more money, and it might introduce you to some people. I'd also recommend looking at societies, I'm not personally in any myself, but everyone I know who is in one never regretted it, and they've all made friends with people with similar interests that way. I wouldn't recommend moving universities over it personally, as you might have the same experience there too, and you'll be starting over at the risk of feeling the same way there too. I know it's cliche but I do believe you'll find your people when you least expect it, I didn't believe that either until it happened to me🤗

-Kiera (Senior Student Ambassador)

Reply 4

Kingston Zhi En

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Basically what the title says. A week into the second term and I have literally zero friends, including even making small talk with the people in my flat or my lectures. I made an effort in the first term and joined societies and tried to reach out to people and everything but it just didn't work. I always see people saying 'it'll all work out! You'll me your people!' but I know that the reality is that isn't true at all. I also see people saying things like 'well I didnt find my people until the third year' but I literally don't think I can handle being this alone for that long?? And I also don't want to miss out on two years of a uni social life. And if I want to make the decision to drop out and reapply it needs to be done ASAP because I would wanna start at a new uni this year. So i wouldn't be able to say, give it a few months to see how it goes, because I'll have no time left and would have to start in 2026 (which i DEFINITELY wouldn't want to do)
Basically just really unhappy and thinking of dropping out and then trying to get into a different uni for the next academic year (I got A*AB at A level so I think I have good chances). I was thinking of looking at Bristol, Sheffield or Liverpool to apply for. Just don't know if it's worth the hassle of starting all over again and taking out MORE money for student loan just because I've got no mates. All the ones I'm looking at applying to are lower ranked than the one I'm currently going to as well

Hi there, I was in a similar situation during my first year at uni! It was just after covid and many of our classes were in small group tutorials where I barely met people outside of my class. Similar to Kiera, I only managed to make friends after becoming a student ambassador and was given the opportunity to work with other students from different courses and backgrounds! I also joined a society which helped as well! 🤗 Uni can feel incredibly isolating at sometimes but there are also many other people who are in a similar situation 🤧 Don't be too hard on yourself as friendships take time to form and if you stick around long enough you may find people you get along with 🙂 It was only towards the end of my 2nd year where I got to meet more people within my course and had a small group of friends! Sometimes one friend might introduce you to another friend too! I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in your university journey 🤗

Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)

Reply 5

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Basically what the title says. A week into the second term and I have literally zero friends, including even making small talk with the people in my flat or my lectures. I made an effort in the first term and joined societies and tried to reach out to people and everything but it just didn't work. I always see people saying 'it'll all work out! You'll me your people!' but I know that the reality is that isn't true at all. I also see people saying things like 'well I didnt find my people until the third year' but I literally don't think I can handle being this alone for that long?? And I also don't want to miss out on two years of a uni social life. And if I want to make the decision to drop out and reapply it needs to be done ASAP because I would wanna start at a new uni this year. So i wouldn't be able to say, give it a few months to see how it goes, because I'll have no time left and would have to start in 2026 (which i DEFINITELY wouldn't want to do)
Basically just really unhappy and thinking of dropping out and then trying to get into a different uni for the next academic year (I got A*AB at A level so I think I have good chances). I was thinking of looking at Bristol, Sheffield or Liverpool to apply for. Just don't know if it's worth the hassle of starting all over again and taking out MORE money for student loan just because I've got no mates. All the ones I'm looking at applying to are lower ranked than the one I'm currently going to as well

Hi there,

This sounds like a tricky situation and it can be hard to know what is the best thing to do.

While I agree that of course the main reason you are at university is to get a degree, you also need to be happy for the years that you are going to be at uni. If you are genuinely unhappy or feel lonely etc, you could think about transferring to another university. Lots of people do this so have a look into it and see if you think you would enjoy it more in those cities as if you think you would be a lot happier, it may be worth doing it.

In terms of your student loan, you should get four years of funding so you would be covered for the extra year that you would have, however if your course is a four year course, you may not be able to do this so this is something to think about too. Of course this means you would be taking out an extra year loan, however it doesn't mean you will be paying more back each month as it will be added onto the end.

I can only speak for Sheffield, and whether you would be going to Uni Of or Hallam, the city in general is very friendly and I have enjoyed being here a lot. There is plenty of places to go out and meet people and both universities have lots of societies too which are great.

However, if you decide that you want to stay at the Uni you are at now, have a look into getting a job for uni like others have said. It is a good way of meeting other students and also getting paid too.

I know you have said you have tried societies, but would you consider joining one again? It might be worth a try if you try a different one and it may just be the thing you need to do to meet some new people.

You could also have a look and see if your student union puts any events on. Often the SU will put things on for students throughout the year so have a look and see if there is anything that interests you as there will be lots of other students there too.

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 6

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Hi There!
I'm so sorry you're having trouble making friends at university. It can be really difficult. I made most of my friends through going to different societies. I went to the quiz, debate, film, Dr Who and Musical Theatre Society to make friends, but I understand that it doesn't always work for everyone.
Have you tried the Meetup app? If you're struggling to make friends around your area it is really useful as there are many events on that you can go to, like meals out, chess games, book clubs, nights out, etc. All you have to do is sign up to the event and turn up, then meet more people in the same situation as you.
Alternately, have you looked into whether your university has a buddy scheme, if they do, maybe you can ask to be part of it to meet new people.
If you are really struggling, don't suffer in silence, speak to the university, your personal tutor, the wellbeing services, etc and they might be able to give you more advice suited to your university.
I know how difficult it can be to make friends so please know that you're not alone.
I hope this helps,
From Josh
Official LJMU Student Rep

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