Uni Can Be Sooo Lonely — Here’s What You Can Do About It
New research has revealed that 70% of students feel lonely at least once a week while studying and here are some easy ways that you can feel less alone.
Going to uni is often framed as one of the most exciting times of your life, filled with making endless new friends and partying alongside your studies.
However, the reality is that for a lot of students, it can feel quite isolating and making friends isn’t always as easy as it might seem. You only have to have a look at the #unireality hashtag on TikTok to see thousands of students sharing how uni hasn’t lived up to their expectations.
Let’s face it, balancing moving away from home for the first time, the workload of a degree, working a part-time job, budgeting AND socialising and making friends definitely isn’t easy.
While everyone’s in the same boat when they start uni and won’t know anyone, it can seem like some people naturally form close bonds from day one and if you don’t make friends during freshers week or become besties with your flatmates you’re just not going to have any friends.
When it seems like EVERYONE has made good friends except for you it can feel even more isolating, but the reality is that loneliness at uni is extremely common with 70% of students feeling lonely every single week. Trust us when we say, you are not alone in feeling lonely.
Loading …How can I meet new people at uni?
Alright, so if your flatmates aren’t the people for you and you haven’t clicked with your course friends or anyone at a society you might be feeling at a loss. Well, all is not lost and there are plenty of other ways you can meet new people who might be feeling the same way as you.
Azar is a video chat app that instantly connects you to millions of people nearby and across the world, allowing you to have conversations through live chat or host livestreams to meet new people. This is a great way to meet new friends and form connections if you’re feeling lonely. Partnering with Census Wide to conduct a survey, their research showed that 61% of students find escaping to the bathroom a safe space and that three-quarters of students surveyed found music concerts a favourable way to build connections.
Off the back of this, Azar has partnered with the artist Tess Smith-Roberts to create an art installation across the University of Birmingham’s bathrooms and replicas of the artwork at Aston and Birmingham City Universities.
The installation is full of uplifting and positive quotes and artwork, to remind you that you’re not alone and that loneliness is a common feeling among students.
Even better? If you visit the installation, download the Azar app and scan a QR code you’ll be entered into a competition to win free tickets for an exclusive Henry Moodie gig at the University of Birmingham in January which is a great way to make new friends and meet new people!
You can also enter straight from the app and to be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is download the Azar app and enter your details before the 5th of January.
January is often referred to as the bluest month of the year, so having the gig take place in January will inspire the students who win to have fun, make new connections and step outside of their comfort zones by using the Azar app.
How can I combat loneliness?
If you’re struggling here are a few things you can do to help you feel better and remind you that you’re really not alone.
1. Reach out to friends and family at home
Remember that if you’ve struggled to make friends in uni, it doesn’t mean there aren’t people who care about you. Make sure you’re spending enough time reaching out to your family and friends at home and let them know how you’re feeling.
There’s nothing wrong with taking regular visits home or inviting your friends and family to come and visit you because, at the end of the day, your family and school friends are going to be in your life long term so prioritising those connections is important.
2. Use dating apps
Hear us out with this one, even if you’re not looking for a relationship dating apps can be a good way to find people to talk to. Bumble BFF was designed to help people find new friends in their area and loads of people have successfully made friends using it. Even regular old dating apps can be a good way to chat with new people and meet up for dates if you want to.
If you just want something casual or don’t want to spend a Friday evening at home on your own it can be a great way to find new people casually without needing to commit to anything other than a chat over drinks.
3. Use TikTok
TikTok can also be a great way to meet new people in your area. You would be surprised by the amount of people in uni cities who are looking for new friends on TikTok and it can be a great way to find a group of people who are looking for new friends locally.
Whether you make your own TikTok introducing yourself and asking for people in your area to reach out to you, or commenting on someone else’s loads of people have successfully made meaningful friendships through social media.
4. Turn up to events
This might sound scary, but if you’re feeling lonely the best way to try and make new friends is to show up to events or societies and check out local things that are happening.
Showing up on your own isn’t really a big deal, even though it will feel like it is. Most uni events will be expecting people who don’t know anyone and are super welcoming to newcomers. If you’re feeling nervous you could always message the event organisers beforehand so they know to expect you.
Remember that loneliness is completely normal and don’t forget to download the Azar app to meet and connect with new people!
