Loneliness at University: A Common, Shared Experience

William discusses the common experience of loneliness at university, emphasising that it’s okay to feel this way. He shares tips for coping and encourages students to connect, support each other, and create a more inclusive environment.

- William Sarenden

Loneliness is something we don’t talk about enough. Yet, it’s an experience many students face — perhaps more often than we realise. 

The transition to university is a massive life change. You’re stepping into an unfamiliar environment, meeting new people, and often leaving behind the support systems you’ve relied on. You might even find yourself feeling lonely despite making friends, excelling in your studies, or working toward your goals.  

If this resonates with you, know this: you’re not alone in these feelings, and it’s okay. Loneliness is a deeply human emotion, and acknowledging it is the first step toward overcoming it.  

The Impact of Loneliness

Loneliness is more than an emotional challenge and can affect many aspects of life, from academic focus to physical well-being and self-esteem. It often leads to a cycle of withdrawal, making it even harder to break free from. But loneliness isn’t a sign of weakness or failure; it’s a natural signal that something needs attention. Much like hunger tells us to eat, loneliness is a reminder to seek connection. What matters is how we respond to this feeling and the steps we take to address it.  

The Value of Community

During my time at university, I’ve learned that community is vastly understated. Whether it’s sharing a laugh during a chaotic group work session, exchanging smiles in a lecture, or starting a conversation at an event, small interactions can lead to the most meaningful connections. It's true though that building a sense of community requires effort. Imagine how different university life could feel if we all made an effort to include others — whether by saying hello, organizing a get-together, or simply asking, “Are you okay?” It’s not about having a vast social circle but about fostering genuine moments of connection.  

Practical Ways to Tackle Loneliness

If you’re struggling with loneliness, here are some strategies that have worked for me and others I know:  

• Reframe Your Perspective – Loneliness is a signal, not a flaw. Instead of seeing it as something negative, think of it as an opportunity for growth. This mindset shift can help you feel empowered to take action.  
• Seek Social Opportunities – Get involved in campus clubs or societies that align with your interests. I found that group activities have helped me slide into conversation more easily, allowing me to grow my circle and feel more comfortable starting conversations with new people.  
• Open Up – Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can make a significant difference. Vulnerability can deepen relationships and help others understand you better.  
• Start Small – Begin with small gestures, like greeting someone in your class or striking up a light conversation. Over time, these interactions can grow into meaningful connections. I know that some of my closest friends have come from these small acts.  
• Care for Yourself – When loneliness feels overwhelming, self-care can often be overlooked. Prioritise eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest—your physical well-being directly affects your mental health.  

A Shared Journey

Loneliness is a common experience that doesn’t define you but reminds you that you’re human. It might feel daunting at times, but with patience, persistence, and a little drive, it’s something you can overcome.  

If you feel isolated, remember that many of your peers are navigating similar challenges. None of us have it all figured out, and most of us have moments of uncertainty and longing for connection.  

University life is full of ups and downs, but it’s also brimming with opportunities for growth and connection. Let’s make an effort to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, together. Who knows? That awkward hello might lead to a friendship that lasts a lifetime.  

Take care of yourselves, and don’t hesitate to seek support if you need it.

 

Find out more about how you can overcome loneliness at the Student Space.

I am a final-year Philosophy undergraduate, and I wanted to write about loneliness because it’s something I’ve observed all too often during my time at university and something I’ve experienced myself. Reflecting on my journey, I realise how helpful it would have been to have some guidance along the way. My hope in sharing these thoughts is that it might help others feel a little less alone.

Dealing with homesickness and loneliness: tips for year-abroad students

Jacob shares his experience as a student currently on a year abroad in France and his advice for dealing with homesickness and loneliness.

- Jacob Robinson

Before you go on a year abroad, you’re told plenty of advice: try to take it all in, say ‘yes’ to everything, and speak as much of the local language as possible. The list goes on.   

Much of this advice before I moved to Lyon in France for my year abroad faded into irrelevance as I was consumed by nerves and worries about the move. What was my accommodation going to be like? Would it be easy to make friends? Was I going to be able to cope with university academics in another language?  

Although many of these questions have fortunately been replaced by positive experiences, there are two things I didn’t quite expect to encounter: homesickness and loneliness. When I was not in Lyon, I studied at The University of Manchester, a city I grew to love and appreciate. Embarking on a year abroad is particularly challenging when you’ve become accustomed to one place, only to uproot everything and move. Adjusting to living away from home in a new location is hard enough, but having to do it again and re-adjust next September adds another layer of difficulty. One of the most important things is to acknowledge that you are completely within your right to feel homesick and unsettled. I’ve found it really helpful to avoid comparing my current experience to my life in Manchester. This has limited feelings of homesickness and instead allows me to appreciate that the two experiences will be inherently different.   

I have grown to learn that I instead cannot simply ‘replicate’ my life in Manchester in Lyon. Keeping similar routines and activities has allowed me to be more settled, even just having the same decorations as my last two rooms at university.    

Surrounding yourself with people from all walks of life can also be beneficial in helping with homesickness - being open with how you’re finding it can spark conversations and ultimately build stronger friendships too. Having friends who also come from your home country can help too - it’s surprising that not hearing your own language whilst out and about can be isolating. I will never take for granted the experience of being a home student in the UK again.  

I've become much better at using FaceTime, as keeping up with friends from home, university, and my year abroad can be challenging. It's comforting to know that even though I don't see them as often as I used to, many of my friends are still there for me. Scheduling calls can help you stay in touch with those who matter a lot to you.  

Another challenge I’ve found with doing a year abroad is overcoming loneliness and feelings of isolation. Fortunately, there is a group of students who’ve also come from Manchester, as well as friends from all over the world, who have made the experience a lot easier. The temporary nature of a year abroad (or even just a semester for some) is undoubtedly a double-edged sword. While you want to make the most of everything, it’s impossible to do it all. Spending an evening in my flat instead of going out with friends, or dedicating a weekend day to relaxing and catching up on work - though necessary - sometimes leaves me feeling like I’m not fully maximising the experience I could be having. The reality is, we’re only human. Going out every night, constantly staying busy, and completely neglecting university work would ultimately have negative consequences in the long run. It can be hard not to compare yourself to others who are on a year abroad, whether they’re in different cities, countries, or even the same place as you. 

While social media allows us to stay updated on the experiences of lots of people, it often serves as a highlights reel—especially for something like a year abroad. I frequently remind friends who respond to my Instagram stories about day trips, scenic viewpoints, or fun activities that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Many people who’ve done a year abroad focus on sharing the positive moments, often leaving out the less glamorous side of the experience. My grades from the university here don’t directly transfer to my final transcript; instead, all I need to do is pass. 

This has been incredibly helpful in reducing the pressure to excel academically, allowing me to focus on making the most of the experience. However, the free time this arrangement inevitably gives me has been a challenge as someone who thrives on staying busy. That said, it’s been a valuable learning experience. My second year in Manchester was intense—I was constantly juggling my course, societies, and socialising with friends. Being abroad, though, has forced me to slow down, providing a much-needed break. It’s been a steep learning curve but one I can say has been incredibly beneficial for my personal development.  

Remember that your home university is there for you throughout your year abroad and the reason you pay a percentage of fees that year is for continued access to services (including mental health support). The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Travel Aware Campaign has specific advice on mental wellbeing and living abroad too.

Need support? Don't forget to check out the Student Space.

I’m a third-year History and French student at The University of Manchester but am currently studying in Lyon in France as part of my year abroad. I'm passionate about making sure more students are aware of the support they have access to and destigmatising the challenges mental health can pose whilst in education.  

Spreading Warmth this Winter

As the days get darker and the Winter truly comes to life, the Editorial Team have come together to share their thoughts on dealing with the seasonal changes.

- Student Minds Blog Editorial Team

⭐ How do you embrace the Winter days at university? ⭐

Taylor: Embracing the winter days at university is all about finding comfort and balance. To make the most of the season, create a cozy study space, stay active with indoor workouts or campus events, and prioritize your mental well-being by reflecting on goals or trying mindfulness. Don’t forget to take advantage of winter activities like ice skating or seasonal events, and stay connected with friends and family to ward off feelings of isolation. By adjusting your routine and focusing on self-care, winter can become a time of productivity, connection, and personal growth.

Madeleine: Making the most of winter days can prove difficult. The days are short and cold, and I for one crave staying indoors. I think winter is all about playing to your strengths, exercising in the way you like, staying social by networking in your areas of interest and comfort, and maintaining a good routine with your work which fits in with how you learn best. It's a time when you may have more time to reflect as there will be more of the day spent indoors. This is why it's a great time to journal or be mindful- noticing what's working for you and what isn't. Everyone's wired differently, so it's important to work out what's best for you and your way of thinking- winter at uni is the perfect time to do this. 

Find out how you can get involved with the Student Minds Blog this Winter. Need support? Don't forget to check out the Student Space.

Written by the Student Minds Blog Editorial Team.