Feeling Lonely
It is a common feeling at university to feel lonely and isolated even when you are surrounded by people of a similar age, and supposedly lots in common but nevertheless we can still feel isolated and awkward. This is made worse by the sight of others who seem perfectly at ease, are rapidly making friends and are becoming embedded in groups from which you feel excluded or only tolerated on the margins.
For first year students loneliness at university is fairly common because coming to university is a major stage in leaving home and involves a number changes: in lifestyle, work patterns and degree of independence. It may be the first time you are away from the familiar supportive family or home, but also you may have left friendships behind that have been built up for years.
Loneliness can sometimes spiral out of control and you could lose self esteem and a feeling that people don’t want you to be around. In turn this can lead to a reluctance to even attempt to make friends or take part in social activities. Talking to friends, personal tutors or the counselling service could be useful.
It good to remember that people make friends at different times not just in the first few weeks and that others will be sharing your feelings as well. Throughout the year there are opportunities to try new activities and join groups, look out for Give It A Go activities, check out the SU clubs and societies to meet students with similar interests. The Alternative Guide, TAG has advice and students views on making friends. M and M Peer Mentoring is a service that has a range of programmes to support students by linking them with student mentors. A Well-being Buddy can offer one-to-one support.
