Navigating Connections

Saraah Sahid

1/2/20254 min read

Every year, thousands of students, both national and international, leave their homes to pursue education in Venice. The journey is often a blend of nervous anticipation and eager excitement—a mix of discovering new places, seizing unforeseen opportunities, and forging meaningful connections. For many, the first day of university feels like constructing a lofty tower of expectations. Yet without a solid foundation, this tower can easily topple.

Leaving the familiarity of home often means letting go of deep-rooted communities, cherished friendships, and a sense of belonging. Adapting to a new environment feels like being uprooted, with the challenge of reestablishing oneself in unfamiliar soil. This transition, while exciting, can also be overwhelming. For some, it can lead to further isolation, making it crucial to have guidance on navigating these uncharted territories.

If you find yourself facing this transition—or anticipate doing so in the future—this article serves as an introductory map.

Recognising the Challenge

Albert Einstein once remarked that “the first step in solving a problem is defining it”. This insight applies to understanding the growing mental health concerns among students. A University of Milan study highlights increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among students dealing with academic pressure, social isolation, and personal challenges.

Key contributors to these issues include:

  • Academic burnout: The relentless cycle of deadlines and demands can quickly overwhelm students.

  • Social anxiety: Fear of judgment or rejection can prevent individuals from forming new relationships.

  • Personal struggles: External pressures, including family tensions or cultural adjustment challenges, add complexity to student life.

  • Structural barriers: Inefficient institutional policies often fail to adequately address these issues, leaving students unsupported.

  • Cultural divides: For international students, differences in language, customs, and expectations can create additional hurdles.

The common thread connecting these factors is loneliness. This isolating feeling is particularly acute in university settings, where students are often surrounded by peers yet unable to form meaningful bonds. Understanding these challenges is essential, but equally important is discovering practical ways to overcome them.

Achieving Balance

University life often begins with a whirlwind of activities—classes, assignments, extracurricular, and personal responsibilities all demanding attention. Many students turn to time management tools to stay organised, yet even the best schedules can fall short if energy is not managed effectively.

A study from the “Harvard Business Review” reveals that productivity often follows a natural rhythm, with energy levels peaking and dipping at specific times of day. For most individuals, energy is highest mid-morning, declines in the afternoon, and experiences a secondary boost in the early evening.

Aligning tasks with these energy peaks—focusing on mentally demanding work during high-energy periods, such as writing assignments, revising the weeks notes, and leaving less intensive tasks for low-energy times—can optimise both productivity and well-being.

Additionally, flexibility is key to avoiding burnout. Incorporate variety into your routine by scheduling breaks, taking walks, or engaging in hobbies. Remember, relaxation isn’t just about resting your brain— it’s about recharging it through activities that bring you joy and relief.

One of these activities is socialising. According to “Annals of Behavioral Medicine”, vol 33, 2007, Friendships to a certain extent protect us in the way we respond to stress, blood pressure reactivity in individuals is low when in presence of a supportive friend. Friendships that can act as support systems especially in academic places where stress at times seems inevitable.

Understanding the Social Landscape

Navigating the social landscape of university can feel like exploring a dense and unfamiliar jungle. Social anxiety often acts as the first barrier, especially for first-year students overwhelmed by the pressure to integrate. Yet the best way to combat this anxiety is to challenge it—by reaching out, starting conversations, and engaging in small talk. These simple actions can lay the groundwork for deeper connections.

Understanding the unique social structure of university life is essential. Unlike the environments many of us grew up in—where repeated interactions in fixed settings like schools or neighborhoods naturally fostered friendships—universities bring together a diverse mix of individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences. Building relationships in such a heterogeneous environment requires intentional effort.

Navigating the Path to Connection

A practical approach to this new social landscape starts with one-on-one connections. Personal interactions are often easier to initiate than engaging with larger groups, especially for students from different cultural backgrounds. I often found it difficult to integrate myself into Italian friend groups, but having one on one interactions with some of my Italian peers, gave me more insight into the culture, and knowledge I could utilise to connect with more of them.

However, connections don’t form in crowded spaces alone. They require consistency and shared rituals. Meeting a friend for coffee every Tuesday, chatting with a classmate after lectures, or scheduling a weekly movie night are small, intentional actions that help build a sense of belonging. These rituals don’t have to be rigidly planned but should occur often enough to create familiarity and trust.

Failure is part of the process. Not every attempt to connect will succeed, but persistence is key. The most consistently I initiated conversation with others the more natural it began to feel. Each effort makes it easier to approach the next.

Finding Shared Values and Passions

Meaningful connections are often rooted in shared values, passions, and purpose. Dr. Irina Cozma, an organizational psychologist, emphasises this interplay as a foundation for forging relationships.

  • Values: These are the principles most important to you—whether they involve family,

    sustainability, creativity, or empathy.

  • Passion: Aligned with your values, passion motivates you to explore activities that bring fulfillment. For instance, a passion for environmental advocacy might lead you to join related campus organizations.

  • Purpose: This is the broader goal that unites your values and passions. If you’re passionate about environmental issues, your purpose might involve working toward policy changes or raising awareness through activism.

Identifying your values, passions, and purpose can guide you toward individuals and communities that resonate with your priorities. Engaging in shared activities—whether through clubs, study groups, or campus events—offers a natural avenue for connection.

Opportunities at Polis

At Polis, we understand the challenges of navigating university life. Our organisation provides a platform for students to connect through shared interests in politics, arts, and humanities. With frequent events, meetings, and social gatherings, we create spaces where individuals can explore their passions and build lasting relationships.

Exploration through Navigation

The journey of building connections is rarely straightforward. It involves moments of uncertainty, vulnerability, and growth. Yet it is through this exploration that we discover not only a sense of community but also a deeper understanding of ourselves. Embracing the opportunity to navigate these challenges, can lead you to a journey more fulfilling than the destination itself.