Incoming university students are reporting loneliness and unmet social expectations during freshers’ week, with social media amplifying feelings of exclusion, according to student accounts and university counselling officials. Surveys and student testimony indicate fitting in and belonging remain top concerns for first‑year cohorts. Universities such as the University of Bradford and Swansea are monitoring transition challenges and expanding counselling and inclusion efforts. Counselling directors warn that early isolation can undermine retention and academic performance. Campus leaders face pressure to redesign orientation, peer‑mentoring and societies to mitigate social media‑driven FOMO and support student wellbeing during critical transition periods.