Making friends can take time and loneliness is a common part of student experience. This can affect confidence and make social contact even harder. Sometimes existing friendships can turn sour and leave you depressed, lacking trust, or doubting yourself. It’s important to remember that the university environment can be intense and that people’s actions usually say more about them than you.

The extroverted party-animal student might be more visible but they are not the only type of student. If it’s not your thing, try looking at social clubs based around interests and let yourself notice the diversity of personalities around you. While it might seem obvious to say ‘hang out with people who make you feel good about yourself’, this doesn’t always feel like an option. Exploring your personality and finding others who can relate is a good starting point.