Loneliness is something many people experience, especially at university. Coming to University is often associated with people continually saying, ‘you’ll have the time of your life’ and ‘you’ll make friends for life’. If that’s not how you’re feeling right now, it can be easy to think you're the only one going through it. But you’re not.

The government reports that up to 92% of students have experienced loneliness. So, while it might feel isolating at times, many others are feeling exactly the same way.

Why are you feeling lonely?

Loneliness is a completely natural feeling, it’s a response to the lack of something we need, like connection or companionship.

It’s important to understand that loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone; it’s about feeling alone, even when you're surrounded by others. You might feel disconnected in a room full of people, or on the flip side, perfectly content when you’re on your own.

People often feel lonely because they don’t have as many people around who know them well, or they feel lonely as the result of social anxiety and a feeling that they don’t belong. Loneliness is not a constant feeling for everyone; it comes and goes and sometimes loneliness may feel more intense because of personal experiences others may not understand, such as a bereavement or mental health.

What can you do to help now?

Making connections can take time, so be kind to yourself. It’s important to remember that when you feel lonely at university, it’s great to keep in contact with family and friends from home, they likely miss you too, and will be pleased to hear from you.

At the University, there are lots of opportunities to meet new people and combat feelings of loneliness:

• In University accommodation you can join ResLife Events.
  
• You can join SU clubs and societies and many academic departments also have associated events and societies. Don’t worry about joining things “late”, people join new activities throughout the year. It’s also common to feel like everyone already knows each other, but that’s usually just a misconception.
  
• Planning how to deliberately build your network at University is time well spent. The resources on this page can help you focus on how to do this. Writing an action plan (for your eyes only) can be helpful. Remember to have a section to write down your successes.
  
• Don’t underestimate the power of a part time job, volunteering or attending a faith group on campus or in the city. You’ll meet people in a whole new context, and you will automatically have something in common with them.
  
• When you go into a lecture hall, try saying hello to those sitting near you. They may be feeling lonely too and could appreciate a friendly gesture.
  
• Join WhatsApp, UniBuddy or social media groups for accommodation and departments to meet people online.

If the thought of turning up to things on your own is too much, take a look at our groups below, some of which are specifically aimed at students who are feeling isolated for whatever reason or are looking for a supportive environment in which to meet new people.

• Social Networking Group: is specifically aimed at students who are feeling isolated for whatever reason or are looking for a supportive environment in which to meet new people.
  
• Supported Social Groups: If your lived experience is making you feel alone or isolated, our Supported Social Groups offer a safe, understanding space to connect with others.
  
• Social Prescribing: offers ways to meet others in a supported environment over a shared activity, where there is no expectation that you have all the social skills and energy you maybe wish you had. The activities are always free too.
  
• Wellbeing Activities: The university offers free activities like cooking classes, dog walking, and gardening—great ways to improve your wellbeing while meeting new people.
  
• ResLife Events: There are plenty of fun activities to join, such as crafts, dance classes, film nights, and running clubs.
  
• Get Active: matches you with a trained wellbeing buddy who can help you explore and attend any exercise-related activities/societies until you feel able to go alone.
  
• Peer Mentoring: New undergraduate students can connect with their peer mentor for support, advice on getting involved, and any concerns they might have. You can reach out to peersupport@bath.ac.uk if you’re unsure who your mentor is.
  
• Bath Active: Join free social sports activities that are a great way to meet others while staying active.
  
• Chaplaincy: If you’re looking for spiritual support or a community to connect with, the Chaplaincy is here for you.

Videos to help you manage loneliness

These videos offer some useful tips around Loneliness:

• Tips on making friends is a video where current students share their tips to help connect with others. (4 minute watch)
  
• How to tackle feeling lonely explains why we may feel lonely and a few tips to help. (1 minute watch)

Apps and tools you can use

Our free Be Well app is full of practical tools which can help you manage your overall wellbeing. Charley the AI Wellbeing assistant can chat with you and recommend resources based on how you are feeling.

The Connect section of Be Well has suggestions and tools to help you create new habits to connect with others.

Podcasts you can listen to

Podcasts can be a great way to explore loneliness:

• Connect podcast on the Be Well app explores building connections with others. (8 minute listen)
• The Marmalade Trust recommends 11 podcasts to help you feel less alone.
  
• The kind place explores what it means to be lonely in this podcast series.
  
• Interpersonal skills can help you manage feelings of shyness and reduce self-consciousness to feel more confident in social situations. (11 minute listen)
  
• The Psychology of your 20's is a podcast series. This episode explores feeling lonely. (30 minute listen)

Helpful websites

Student Space is a national university support site which provides a range of great resources. They have a useful Overcoming Loneliness at university guide.

The Mental Health Foundation's student guide to loneliness provides some good tips to look after your mental health if you feel alone.

The Calm Zone has some useful tips on how to make mates.

People you can talk to

You may feel you are able to manage loneliness by using some or all of the resources listed above. These will support you to build practical techniques to make connections or understand how you are feeling.

Remember you don’t have to face this alone. If you're finding it difficult, there are many people who can offer support:

Your Peer mentor may be able to offer you some advice, they may have been in the same position or know good ways to connect with others.

If you need to speak to a professional about your wellbeing our Student Support Advice Team are available and offer in person appointments.

Final thoughts

Feeling lonely at university can be tough, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Staying in touch with loved ones from home, participating in university activities, and seeking out supportive resources can make a big difference.

You don’t need to have it all figured out right away, and there’s no shame in needing support. If you’re feeling isolated, reach out.

This page was created in partnership with students and Student Support.