Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that 26% of students feel lonely, compared to just 8% of the general population.
To many, this finding is counterintuitive. University life is often portrayed as a time of freedom, new experiences, and making lifelong friends. Universities are full of young people, looking for new experiences, and new connections – the University of Toronto had nearly 62,000 students enrolled last year while the University of Dalhousies had over 20,000. And students are surrounded by each other all day: many live with roommates, work in public libraries, and pass by each other on campus every day.
Why are students lonely? More than that: why are they so much lonelier than the rest of the population?
For many, university is someone’s first taste of independence; for some, it means moving away from home for the first time.
Being in an unfamiliar environment can lead to loneliness because it disrupts established social networks and routines, leaving individuals without the comfort and support of familiar faces and places. This sense of disconnection can be especially pronounced for university students who have moved away from home for the first time. They must navigate new academic pressures, social dynamics, and living situations without the immediate presence of family and old friends. The uncertainty and stress of adapting to a new environment can make it difficult to form new connections quickly, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
With thousands of students, it can be challenging to establish meaningful connections or feel a sense of belonging. The sheer number of people can make interactions feel superficial and fleeting, preventing deeper bonds from forming. Additionally, large class sizes and crowded social events can contribute to a sense of anonymity, where students feel like just another face in the crowd. This can lead to a paradoxical situation where, despite constant proximity to others, students struggle to find a close-knit group or feel genuinely integrated into the broader community, exacerbating feelings of loneliness.
For many, this makes it hard to identify the community they belong to as a student, much less identify with that community. Sometimes a student body can feel so big that it become intangible.
So, what can students do to feel more belonging, more connection, and feel better?
Joining clubs and societies as a student can foster a stronger sense of belonging by creating smaller, more tangible communities within the larger university environment.
Clubs and societies individuals with shared interests, passions, or backgrounds together: effectively taking a big student body that’s big too belong to and turning into a smaller group that is perceivable and relatable. They can provide something tangible for students to belong to.
Then, by participating in regular meetings, events, and activities, students can interact more frequently and in a more personal setting than in the broader university context. A more tangible group connection becomes a series of strong, personal connections. This consistent engagement helps build trust and camaraderie, turning acquaintances into close friends. Additionally, being part of a club or society provides a support network, offering emotional and practical support, which reinforces a student's connection to the community and enhances their overall university experience.
It sound simple: but sometimes the remedy to a community that’s too big to feel close to is just finding ways to make it smaller and more tangible.
Societies and clubs are essential for building a sense of community among students. Whether it’s a sports team, book club, or cultural group, these organizations bring together individuals with shared interests, helping them form meaningful connections. For instance, a student passionate about the environment might join a sustainability club, where they can meet like-minded peers. This sense of belonging can alleviate loneliness and make university life more enjoyable, fostering a supportive and connected campus atmosphere.
Social connections play a crucial role in enhancing mental health. Regular interaction with peers can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, which often stem from loneliness. Joining a club or society provides a support network that offers emotional stability and companionship. Many clubs also focus on mental well-being through activities like mindfulness workshops and stress-relief sessions, helping students manage the pressures of university life and feel more connected to their community.
Feeling lonely can negatively affect academic performance by reducing motivation and engagement. Being part of a society or club can counteract these effects by providing a supportive peer network that encourages and motivates students. Academic societies, in particular, offer resources such as study groups, tutoring sessions, and guest lectures, which not only enhance learning but also create a sense of camaraderie and shared academic goals, helping students stay connected and focused.
Joining a society or club contributes significantly to personal development by offering opportunities to take on leadership roles, organize events, and develop new skills. For example, a student in a debate club can improve their public speaking and critical thinking abilities, while participating in a volunteer organization can foster empathy and a sense of community service. These experiences enrich university life, help students feel more connected to their peers, and prepare them for future professional and personal endeavours.
Some students may hesitate to join societies or clubs due to shyness, lack of confidence, or fear of not fitting in. Universities can help by creating a welcoming environment that encourages participation. Orientation programs showcasing the variety of available societies and clubs, along with testimonials from current members, can help ease these concerns. Offering accessible, low-commitment trial sessions can also give students the chance to explore different groups and find their community, making it easier for them to connect with others and feel less lonely.
The data shows that students today are lonely. But that doesn’t mean they have to be. Societies and clubs are just one way to improve student connection and belonging.
With gratitude,
UpBeing
