Social media versus real life at university

Everyone else's first term can look perfect online. Knowing how to read social media, and how to use it to meet people in person, protects your mood and your social life.

The highlight reel

• UCAS warns that posts online are often curated, and that seeing others' posts can make you feel low and trigger fear of missing out.
• The University of Birmingham notes that social media can make other students look as if they are doing better, and reminds students that social media does not show everything.
• Birmingham also points out that every new student is nervous and trying to fit in, even if they appear confident.
• When a feed makes you feel behind, remember you are comparing your ordinary Tuesday with someone else's best moment of the week.

Comparison traps in first term

• The American Psychological Association advises young people to limit using social media for social comparison, particularly around beauty and appearance.
• Notice which accounts leave you feeling worse, and mute or unfollow them. You do not need to announce it.
• Watch for 'freshers' comparison': how many friends, nights out or society photos other people post. None of these measures how settled someone actually feels.
• If you catch yourself scrolling to check what you are missing, close the app and message one real person instead.

Use online tools to get offline

• UCAS notes that most universities have moderated social media accounts for new students, which you can use to find flatmates, coursemates and societies before you arrive.
• Societies often post their schedules online; Lancaster's Sober Socials, for example, uses Instagram and Discord.
• Turn chat into meeting: 'A few of us from the group are getting coffee at 3 tomorrow by the library, anyone want to join?'
• Prefer official university or Students' Union groups; be cautious with unofficial groups that ask for money or personal details (see the Scams and Fraud module).

Posting with care

• Before you post, ask: would I be comfortable if my family, a future employer or my university saw this? The AI and Digital Skills module covers your digital footprint.
• Ask friends before posting photos of them, and respect anyone who says no, including friends who prefer not to appear online for cultural or personal reasons.
• Avoid posting your exact accommodation, room number or real-time location publicly; the Safety When You Live Alone module explains why.
• Remember that the people reading your posts may be comparing themselves to you too; honest, kind posts help everyone.

Staying connected with home

• UCAS notes that social media helps maintain existing relationships when you are far apart, so it is a useful tool for family and old friends.
• Balance it: if you spend every evening chatting with friends at home, you may have less time to build friendships where you are.
• A set call slot (for example Sunday afternoon with family) often works better than constant messaging.

A simple phone set-up for university

• Turn off non-essential notifications and keep your phone out of reach while studying.
• Charge your phone away from your bed; the APA notes that social media close to bedtime is linked with sleep disruption.
• Use your phone's built-in screen-time tools to set a daily limit on the apps you over-use.
• Keep the useful parts: society chats, coursemate groups and calls home.