I have no friends and I'm in my second year of uni. What can I even do at this point?

It all feels hopeless at this point. No matter how hard I tried last year, I couldn't make a single friend. I tried to branch out and join more societies, but its all the same. I get along with people well at socials, but that's it. I cant seem to make friends at all. I don't want my entire uni experience to be completely isolated, but it feels like thats the way its going. I had to do a tenancy takeover because of a lack of friends and theyre all closer with eachother and brush me off a lot when I ask about hanging out or talking to them, and the only human interaction I have is at work or at socials. That doesnt feel like a replacement for having friends though. I dont go out unless its society related, because I have zero friends. I cant handle it anymore, but I have no clue what to even do anymore.

Reply 1

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Hi there,

I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way — it sounds like it’s been a difficult experience trying to find your place at university. I want to reassure you that you’re definitely not alone in feeling like this, and it’s not too late to make friends. Many people only start forming closer friendships later in their degree, and that’s completely normal. I didn’t meet my best friend until 3rd year of uni where we met in a house share!

Start small in lectures or classes
Even if it looks like everyone already has a group, that’s not always the case. Try sitting next to someone new or joining in on a small conversation before or after class. You could also suggest grabbing a coffee or lunch, or even starting a group chat or study group to stay in touch. If you’re working on a group presentation, you could take the lead in organising a study room session — bringing along snacks or drinks can make it feel more relaxed and help people open up a bit.

Keep trying different societies
It’s great that you’ve already given some a go. Sometimes it just takes a few tries to find one that really clicks. Some societies run regular sessions a few times a week, while others are more relaxed and meet once a month. That way, you can join a few different ones if you think you can manage it alongside your studies. Most societies have Instagram pages too, so you can get a feel for what they’re like before going along. And if nothing quite fits, you could even start your own.

Check out part-time or short-term work
Even if you already have a part-time job, it’s worth checking your university’s careers platform every so often. Many unis use systems like Unitemps or Handshake, which list flexible, short-term roles such as student ambassador work, research assistant positions, or social media support. You might also find volunteering opportunities — for example, helping at charity or vintage shops with displays, working on community gardening projects, or supporting local animal care initiatives. These kinds of roles are a great way to meet people from different backgrounds while gaining useful experience. It’s also worth keeping an eye on your Students’ Union, as they often post similar opportunities and run one-off activities or volunteering sessions you can drop into.

Look beyond uni
Some of the best friendships can come from outside the university bubble — local hobby groups, fitness classes, weekly pub quizzes, or open mic nights are all great ways to meet people who share your interests. Getting involved in the wider community can make things feel more relaxed and less tied to campus life.

Sometimes friendships just take time to develop. You might already be meeting people who could become close friends — it just hasn’t clicked yet. Others might be waiting for someone to take the lead in making plans. Keep being open to opportunities and putting yourself out there 🙂

Megan (LJMU Rep)