Feeling lonely and I want to make friends

Hey, I am a student at Cardiff University. It's been 2 years since I started, and I still haven't made any friends. I'm so lonely, and I have no idea what to do to meet more people. I was so lonely, I've cried myself to sleep some days because no matter what I seem to do, I still can't find a way to connect with someone. Every time I meet someone, I seem to have a good conversation with them and exchange contact details to hang out, but then they ghost me and never reply. I also have some acquaintances whom I can call friends, but I seem to float around the edges of social life and never seem to belong anywhere. I have no idea how to gauge whether they are enjoying having a conversation with me, either. Unless you tell me outright, I would be clueless.
I'm just so tired of feeling that way. I've tried the advice everyone seems to give me, which is going to societies and events, but I can't seem to manage to make friends there either. I try, and I still feel left out, like everyone's already made their groups and don't want me joining. I'll admit it sounds like I'm spiralling, but this is two years of loneliness and homesickness just coming out all at once.
I've always been very introverted and struggled to make friends, so I have no idea what to do right that could help me. I suppose it also stings that my cousin went to uni last year and she's already made friends that she hangs out with and who like her as a friend. I'm just wondering what I'm doing wrong.
If anyone has any idea what to do, that isn't about joining societies (honestly, it just makes me feel tired, it doesn't seem to work for me), I would really appreciate it.

Hey, I am a student at Cardiff University. It's been 2 years since I started, and I still haven't made any friends. I'm so lonely, and I have no idea what to do to meet more people. I was so lonely, I've cried myself to sleep some days because no matter what I seem to do, I still can't find a way to connect with someone. Every time I meet someone, I seem to have a good conversation with them and exchange contact details to hang out, but then they ghost me and never reply. I also have some acquaintances whom I can call friends, but I seem to float around the edges of social life and never seem to belong anywhere. I have no idea how to gauge whether they are enjoying having a conversation with me, either. Unless you tell me outright, I would be clueless.
I'm just so tired of feeling that way. I've tried the advice everyone seems to give me, which is going to societies and events, but I can't seem to manage to make friends there either. I try, and I still feel left out, like everyone's already made their groups and don't want me joining. I'll admit it sounds like I'm spiralling, but this is two years of loneliness and homesickness just coming out all at once.
I've always been very introverted and struggled to make friends, so I have no idea what to do right that could help me. I suppose it also stings that my cousin went to uni last year and she's already made friends that she hangs out with and who like her as a friend. I'm just wondering what I'm doing wrong.
If anyone has any idea what to do, that isn't about joining societies (honestly, it just makes me feel tired, it doesn't seem to work for me), I would really appreciate it.

Hi there,
I just wanted to say thank you for being so open. It takes a lot of courage to share something so personal, and I’m really sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. You’re definitely not alone in this, even if it feels like it. University can be really overwhelming, and not everyone finds their people right away.
I’ve had moments of feeling left out too, and I understand how exhausting it can be to keep putting yourself out there. From what you said, it’s clear you’re trying your best, and honestly, that matters.
One thing that sometimes helps is focusing on smaller, low-pressure interactions. Instead of big events, things like study groups, volunteering a few hours at a university event, or even chatting with classmates after lectures can slowly build into something more. Also, some universities offer support groups or social well-being sessions through the wellbeing service. These aren’t just for people in crisis, but for anyone feeling isolated.
And please don’t compare your journey to your cousin’s—everyone’s university experience is different, and it’s okay if yours looks a little slower or quieter. You’re not doing anything wrong. Some friendships take longer to form, but end up being the most genuine ones.
If you haven’t already, reaching out to someone at the university's wellbeing service could be helpful; they’re there for exactly this kind of support and might be able to help you find ways to manage those feelings of isolation without the pressure of big social situations.
Sending you lots of kindness. You’re not alone in this even if it feels like it sometimes.
Mercy
BCU Student Rep

Hello 🙂
Thanks for sharing this, that's really brave to share what you're struggling with. I am really sorry to hear things have been so tough, and I totally understand, as two years is a really long time to deal with things by yourself. It sounds like you have been doing all the right things and putting yourself out there. So you should be proud of that, because that is half the battle, especially if you're naturally introverted.
Sometimes other students don't respond, not because they don't wish to hang out, but because they're really busy or overwhelmed with their course or their own life. I often take a while to respond to or meet up with my friends due to our busy schedules.
I experienced loneliness in my first year of university as a mature student. I wasn't sure how I'd relate to some of my younger coursemates, and I wasn't convinced they enjoyed all our interactions to begin with, but in time I realised they did. However, it took until the second year to have a firm group of friends, and this really solidified in my final year. Like Mercy said, I wouldn't compare your experience to anyone else's, university is unique for everyone. Often, friendship groups change at university as students settle in and get to know more students, and sometimes students can look like they're having the time of their lives, but can still have periods feeling lonely.
Trying something low-key might be helpful as it takes the pressure off. I find it easier to get to know people when doing an activity like a game or at work, or study group. Some of my best friends are fellow student ambassadors or committee members for a society, because you are all focused on achieving something together and help each other out, and getting to know each other naturally.
I'd also recommend contacting your student support services for some support and advice. I have always found my student support teams helpful when I have reached out for support. You might be surprised to hear that they will be experienced in chatting to students who are experiencing loneliness, as it is common: my uni actually has an anti-loneliness policy where they're trying to reduce loneliness because it affects so many students at some point during their studies.
You've got this! Sending best wishes.
Lucy ☺️
(Official Uni of Salford Student Ambassador)

Dear Lucy,
Thank you! It does feel better to know that things will get better. I suppose I've been spiralling since I haven't had positive interactions in a while.