Being lonely at university is difficult, and is also a topic that is rarely discussed. Whereas it appears there is a lot of discussion about having the ‘most exciting time of your life’ and finding ‘forever-friends’, this seems to be an unusual experience for some.
Loneliness has an impact on many aspects of our daily lives, as well as our mental and physical health. Given the already significant lifestyle changes and pressure to succeed, academics often feel much more challenging.
We often tend to think that we might be the only ones without friends while everyone has a social circle of their own. However, we're not. It is highly uncommon for other students to not feel lonely, especially through their time in university. Fortunately, if you're feeling alone, help is always available.
Here are some things that Student Chirag and your International Officer Alice recommend you do, to feel less lonely:
· Taking care of yourself and being patient - When things don't go as planned, it's very common to blame yourself.
· Join a society that has frequent gatherings - Societies with free discussions on issues that affect everyday life often provide a secure place for us to vent our emotions. You could also join a society anytime throughout the year and meet people with similar interests!
· Having the correct support system - When you require support, reach out for it. It is important to do this whether it is calling a close friend or family member or getting support from? Student Services, Guild Advice or UBHeard are all here for you.
· Cooking a nice meal and aking for yourself is a form of self care which you can do whilst listening to some of you favourite music.
· Taking yourself on an adventure – Try exploring some new places nearby such as parks and attractions.
· Try learning a new language and watching movies or the news in that language, which Alice enjoys the most!
Support you can access
If you feel that you are impacted by loneliness, it’s always good to ask for help, you could get in touch with your Officer Team, Guild Advice, or book a GP appointment. Your GP can also direct you to relevant services that you can access in your location. I wish you all the best and, please don’t hesitate to join activities and events led by Alice such as her regular Language Cafés which you can come along to and meet lots of lovely new friends there!