Autumn can be a lonely time for young people

By Faith Ogala, Laura Markey and Andrea Wigfield
Centre for Loneliness Studies/Campaign to End Loneliness, Sheffield Hallam University

As autumn approaches, a new wave of students embark on one of life’s significant transitions: the journey to university. Transition periods can be both exciting and daunting, particularly for young students beginning new academic paths. This can involve a number of associated changes such as relocating to a new city or country, starting at a new institution, adjusting to life away from home. While these milestones are an almost inevitable part of growing up, they can be particularly challenging in our hyper-connected world.

Social media, often seen as a way to instantaneously connect to others, can paradoxically intensify feelings of loneliness through increased social comparison. According to recent research, nearly all students (92%) report experiencing loneliness at some point during the academic year, with almost half (43%) concerned about being judged if they admit it (New government research shows ‘lonely’ seems to be the hardest word for students — GOV.UK.

Here we explore the challenges students face during these transitions, including a case study of Grace, who moved to the UK to study for a master’s degree as an international student during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grace’s Transition Story: Moving from Nigeria to the UK During COVID-19

In 2021, I moved to the UK to pursue my master’s degree. I arrived with hopes of academic success and cultural exploration but soon encountered a different reality. The pandemic had caused a global standstill, and lockdown restrictions limited face-to-face interactions. Social gatherings, which I had anticipated, were no longer possible, and virtual classes lacked the social vibrancy of physical classrooms. Like many students, I was isolated and felt lonely. Fortunately, I found solace in my local church community.

Despite the restrictions, they endeavoured to connect virtually, providing a lifeline when I often felt overwhelmingly alone. Regular virtual meetups, phone check-ins, and socially distanced walks enabled me to forge meaningful connections. I made friends through the University’s Culture Connect programme and deliberately sought to engage with my neighbours.

This experience deepened my understanding of the value of small acts of kindness and the importance of reaching out to those around us. A simple conversation or an invitation for coffee can profoundly affect someone grappling with loneliness. My story emphasises the necessity of proactive measures to combat loneliness during significant life transitions.

Understanding the Scale of Student Loneliness

Research indicates that over half of students (53%) feel uncomfortable seeking help for loneliness, a higher percentage than for any other concern, including financial difficulties or academic challenges (New government research shows ‘lonely’ seems to be the hardest word for students — GOV.UK). This highlights the urgent need for greater awareness of student loneliness and suggests that stigma significantly hinders students from seeking support. Many students fear being judged or misunderstood if they share their feelings.

For young people, loneliness is often internalised as a problem they should manage alone. The BBC Loneliness Experiment (Loneliness Stigma Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) — GOV.UK) revealed that younger individuals frequently feel ashamed of their loneliness and are more likely to conceal it. The situation is further exacerbated by the pressure many students, particularly those moving away for the first time, feel to “fit in,” making it harder to express their feelings.

What can be done to Address Student Loneliness?

Addressing loneliness among young people requires a multi-faceted approach. universities and educational institutions play a pivotal role in fostering an environment that encourages connection.

Effective strategies include:

• Encouraging conversations about Loneliness:
  One of the most effective ways to combat loneliness is through small acts of kindness, such as initiating a conversation or inviting someone for coffee. Many students (60%) reported that they would engage in conversation if a friend mentioned feeling lonely (New government research shows ‘lonely’ seems to be the hardest word for students — GOV.UK. Creating environments where discussing loneliness is normal is essential; students need to feel that they can be open about their feelings without fearing judgement.
• Promoting Community Building:
  Universities should actively encourage societies, clubs, and volunteering opportunities, as these provide students with ways to connect over shared interests. Faith-based communities, cultural organisations, and hobby groups can all play a crucial role in helping students feel a sense of belonging. These groups foster a sense of familiarity and community, which is crucial for students adjusting to new environments.

• Normalising Seeking Help:
  Many students feel uncomfortable seeking help for loneliness. Universities can bridge this gap by providing accessible support services such as counselling, mental health workshops, and peer mentoring schemes. These services should be widely promoted to reduce the stigma surrounding loneliness and mental health issues.
  Campaigns launched by universities in collaboration with organisations like the Campaign to End Loneliness, Wingstop, Sporting Wellness, and Student Radio are steps in the right direction. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the stigma surrounding loneliness and highlight that feeling lonely is a normal part of life, particularly during transitions like starting university.

• Promoting participation in group activities:
  Freshers’ Week and beyond can include group activities that encourage students to get involved in groups based on a whole range of different types of activities from sports to music, to political debate to exploring the local environment. Programmes like the “Mindfit” therapeutic which was based on walking, jogging or running in small groups, followed by a hot drink, chat and mindfulness activities at Sheffield Hallam University have successfully addressed loneliness.

  

• Ensure access to personal tutors and counselling services:
  These professionals can provide targeted support and direct students to additional resources, creating a safety net.

• Collaborate with local businesses and organisations:
  Partnerships like the government’s collaboration with Wingstop, Sporting Wellness, and Student Radio can amplify anti-loneliness campaigns.

• Offer volunteering opportunities and encourage regular check-ins and guidance:
  Opportunities like this can both offer meaningful activities for students to contribute to helping others but can also connect them to other people.

• Offer opportunities for groups of students to explore their new surroundings:
  Creating spaces for students to engage in activities like communal dining, campus tours, or exploring local green areas can foster social connections. Accessing green spaces can help improve wellbeing and sharing food can help foster genuine social connections.

The key to tackling student loneliness lies in reducing the stigma surrounding it. By fostering open conversations, offering support services, and normalising discussions about mental health, universities and service providers can cultivate a culture where students feel comfortable seeking help.

Furthermore, social media campaigns, brand partnerships, and government initiatives can significantly assist in reaching a wider audience and shifting perceptions of loneliness. Campaigns like the Campaign to End Loneliness should emphasise their universality and encourage more open discussions.

As students worldwide prepare for a new academic year, it is essential to recognise that loneliness is a shared experience. The journey through university life can be daunting. Through awareness, kindness, and support, we can create communities where students feel heard, understood, and connected, regardless of how far they are from home.

As we support young people through their transitions, we must acknowledge that loneliness is not a personal failing but a common human experience. By fostering environments that encourage connection, providing accessible support services, and promoting open dialogue about loneliness, we can help young people navigate these challenging waters with resilience and hope.

Remember, if you come across young people who feel lonely, make it clear that they are not alone in that feeling. Encourage them to reach out, connect, and seek support. Together, we can build a more connected and supportive community for everyone.

More tips for supporting young people who feel lonely can be found here: Wigfield, A. (2021). Loneliness for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.

You can buy the book ‘Loneliness for Dummies’ in paperback, on Kindle, or as an audiobook:
Loneliness For Dummies: Amazon.co.uk: Wigfield, Andrea: 9781394229321: Books
Loneliness in young people: research briefing | Mental Health Foundation