You walk into class and see the same thing: groups of students already laughing, chatting, and sliding into their familiar seats. You sit alone. Again.

If you’re going through uni without a tight friend group, it can feel like you’re missing a core part of the “college experience.” But here’s the honest truth — not everyone has one. And more importantly, you can still have an amazing uni life without it.

Let’s unpack the myth of the “friend group,” why it’s overrated, and how to build connection your way.

The Truth: Most Students Feel Left Out at Some Point

Despite what it looks like on Instagram or in the dining hall, many students feel socially disconnected — even the ones in a friend group.

People drift. Some groups are surface-level. Some are built on convenience, not compatibility. And sometimes, having no group is better than being stuck in the wrong one.

You’re not weird or broken for not having one. You're just not forcing something that doesn’t fit.

Embrace the “Friend Lite” Model

Instead of focusing on a group, think about building micro connections:

• A classmate you talk to about assignments

• A coworker from your part-time job you get coffee with sometimes

• A study buddy you only text during exam season

These friendships might not post pics together every week, but they’re real, helpful, and valid.

You don’t need a group to feel connected. You need a few real people who get you — even if it’s just in small, specific moments.

Focus on Depth, Not Quantity

If you’re not in a group chat with 12 people, good news: you have space for quality connections.

Use that space intentionally:

• Message that one classmate you clicked with

• Follow up with someone after a tutorial: “You had a great point — mind if we chat more about it?”

• Attend a club alone and talk to just one person instead of trying to “join” the whole group

One genuine connection >>> ten shallow ones.

Redefine What “Belonging” Looks Like

The media sells us the idea that uni = squad goals, dorm drama, and chaotic group chats. But for many students, it’s:

• Sitting in the library solo

• Going to class and heading home

• Knowing a few people here and there, but not having a “crew”

And that’s okay.

Your uni life doesn’t need to match the social blueprint to be valid. If you’re growing, learning, and finding peace in your own rhythm — you’re doing it right.

Stay Open, Even If You’re Solo

Sometimes, not having a group can make you go full lone-wolf mode. You stop saying hi. You stop showing up. You assume everyone’s already locked in their social circles.

But here’s the truth: you’re not invisible — even if it feels that way.

Staying open might look like:

• Sitting closer to others in class instead of hiding in the back

• Commenting on someone’s story or assignment post

• Saying “hi” to the same barista every week

• Asking questions in tutorials instead of zoning out

It’s not about forcing connection. It’s about staying available to it.