Social connections made during university study could become valuable networks of support for years to come. However, students might at times be held back or overwhelmed by social anxiety - a prevalent yet rarely discussed challenge faced by many university students.

In this talk, Ms Tsang Ka Po, Clinical Psychologist from New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, leveraged on short clips to illustrate common features of social anxiety that often hold students back from making social connections and their struggles in building relationships.

Practical strategies and relaxation techniques drawn from evidence-based psychological approaches were then shared to facilitate participants in engaging in flexible thinking and overcoming social challenges. Interactive polls were also used to invite participants to reflect on their social goals. Tips to take small steps to expand friendship/relationship circle via initiating and maintaining relationships were also shared and illustrated with videos.