‘We met at university’ was such a familiar phrase and perhaps that version of her life might have been fuller, more populated.
This sentence reflects a moment of introspection, imagining a different version of the character’s life.
Let’s break it down:
"‘We met at university’ was such a familiar phrase" – The speaker is reflecting on how common it is for people to meet partners or significant others at university. It’s almost a cliché.
"and perhaps that version of her life might have been fuller, more populated." – She’s imagining that if she had followed that familiar path—meeting someone at university—her life might have felt richer ("fuller") and less lonely ("more populated").
"Fuller" suggests more experiences, deeper relationships, maybe more joy or connection.
"More populated" hints at more people in her life—friends, partners, maybe even a family—compared to what she has now.
Overall meaning:
The speaker is wistfully thinking that if her life had followed a more conventional or socially typical path (like meeting someone at university), she might have ended up with a more socially rich, emotionally connected life. There’s a subtle sense of regret or longing in that reflection
