How to Combat Loneliness at University: A Student Wellbeing Guide

Loneliness at university feels peculiar because no one tells you it can happen in a crowded lecture hall. You step onto campus expecting instant friendships and a quick sense of belonging. Instead, many students quietly admit they feel disconnected from their peers. If you have ever sat in a library full of people and felt alone, you are not unusual. You are human.

Today, our guide will translate lived experiences into genuine advice that you can apply to your university life.

So, Define Loneliness at University

Loneliness at university, or in any walk of life, is the feeling of being separated from your environment or the people around you. It often appears during times of transition. A recent student survey managed by several high-profile institutions found that the first six to twelve weeks are the most common periods for loneliness as a student. You may recognise some of the experiences listed below:

• You drift between societies without clicking with anyone.
• You attend lectures alone and do not feel part of a group.
• You miss home, even if you were pleased to leave initially.
• Feelings of having nothing figured out, while everyone else seems to.

Feeling lonely is incredibly common. Mind explains that loneliness is the gap between the social connections you have and those you want. Their guide on the topic notes that anyone can experience it at different times, regardless of how many people they know.

Why Are So Many Students Feeling Lonely?

There is no single reason, but in student discussions online, four patterns appear repeatedly. These relate to the experiences of many groups, such as international students adjusting to a new country, commuters who leave campus straight after class, mature students balancing responsibilities, and those navigating unfamiliar cities and social pressures. Although these groups differ, the pressure points share similarities.

Major Life Transitions

Whether it’s leaving home, changing routines, or establishing new friendships, many factors can reshape your life.

High Expectations

People imagine university friendships forming naturally. When that does not happen quickly, it can feel like a personal failure.

Academic Pressure

When coursework builds up, socialising becomes harder. Students often pull back during stressful times, which increases feelings of isolation.

Unstructured Time

Sometimes having a flexible timetable isn’t ideal; your days can feel empty, which worsens negative feelings.

“Students often blame themselves for feeling lonely, yet loneliness usually has nothing to do with personal ability. It is a predictable response to major changes in your life”.

How to Combat Loneliness at University

We’ve created this step-by-step set of actions that have been shaped by your predecessors and refined by wellbeing research. Each strategy works on its own, but they work best as a combined resource.

How to Make Connections as a Student

1. Start with micro connections

A light conversation with a coursemate or a kind hello in the kitchen can go a long way. Speaking to someone builds familiarity, which can eventually become friendship. Several Reddit threads emphasise the idea that students tend to become friends from the smallest of interactions rather than planned social events.

2. Use campus and accommodation spaces with purpose

Instead of walking home after lectures, stay and study on campus for a while. You could meet people doing the same thing!

If you’re staying in a Prestige Student Living property, our communal lounges and social spaces provide the ideal destination to connect with your neighbours. Explore your properties’ amenities on its dedicated website listing, such as Limelight in Liverpool. 

3. Take things slowly rather than all at once

You do not need to attend every welcome event. Pick two or three opportunities and return at least twice. People bond over repeated presence. Consistency signals openness.

4. Build links through shared tasks

Volunteering, group projects, peer mentoring and society meetings encourage deeper relationships because you work toward something together. It removes the pressure to perform socially.

What Other Students Suggest

We want to keep this guide grounded in real student experiences, so here are three community-sourced insights that we’ve regularly seen in Reddit student forums. These appear across multiple channels, in different cities, and to those from a range of backgrounds.

“Invite people, even if it’s awkward”

Many students have stated that they wait for others to make the first move. When they finally invited someone for a drink, most people responded positively. The common theme is clear; others are just as nervous as you.

“Study together, even in silence”

Several users mention silent study sessions as a low-pressure method to meet people. You do not need a huge conversation. You need presence. It creates a quiet connection.

“Your first friendship group does not need to be perfect”

Students often write about how they’ve reshaped their inner circle in their second and third year. Your first friends might not be your final ones.

How to Care for Your Mental Health During Lonely Periods

Loneliness isn’t officially designated as a mental health issue, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be just as impactful. Here we have a few helpful tips that we believe can help you care for yourself.

1. Create a weekly routine

Having a loose plan helps you stay active. Include one academic activity, one wellbeing activity, and one social activity each week. Keep them small and achievable.

2. Utilise campus support services

Wellbeing teams, counselling services, and peer support groups exist for situations like this. They are confidential and friendly. Many students share that booking one session helped them feel less overwhelmed.

3. Stay physically active

Walks, small workouts, and fresh air improve clarity. Movement is a reliable mood stabiliser during stressful times.

4. Limit comparisons

Social media can create the illusion that everyone else is thriving. People rarely post their lonely moments.

How Technology Can Help

It’s often vilified for its role in limiting real life connections, but technology can also help support your wellbeing if used in the right ways.

Use campus apps

Many universities offer event finders, study buddy tools, or society schedules. They remove the friction of searching for opportunities.

Try low-pressure digital communities

Websites such as Reddit, Discord, and other online forums can help you connect with people through shared hobbies, accommodation, or courses.

Loneliness at University: Steps That Work

What to do when loneliness hits

• Text one familiar person, even if the message is simple.
• Change your environment by working in a shared space.

If the lonely feelings linger

• Attend events or meetings.
• Build a predictable routine that involves meeting people.
• Seek university wellbeing support.
• Explore local opportunities in your city.

If you want to discover student accommodation that caters to a healthy student life balance, visit our locations page. 

If you’re feeling homesick

• Schedule regular calls, but not too many.
• Bring comforting items with you.
• Cook a classic family recipe each week.

Quick Reference Guide

Challenge	What it feels like	Practical step
No close friends yet	Feeling detached from social groups	Repeat two weekly events and follow up with one person
Academic pressure	Avoiding social settings due to stress	Join a silent study session for low pressure support
Homesickness	Missing structure and comfort	Build a weekly routine and mix in familiar habits
Feeling different from peers	Not seeing people with similar backgrounds or schedules	Join interest based groups where shared focus creates a natural connection

You Are Not Behind, or Alone

Feeling lonely at university is not a sign you have failed socially. It is a signal that you crave connection, and that is something you are allowed to want. It takes time, effort, and courage. But it is possible, and students with every personality, background, and schedule eventually find their people.

If you’re in search of more inspiration, you can find the best days out, cultural spots, and restaurants in cities across the UK on our blog.