Written by: Abby Dizon
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.
College can be filled with new experiences and opportunities, but it can also be lonely for many students. Juggling college-level courses, trying to make new friends and adjusting to life away from home can leave students feeling isolated and disconnected. According to a 2023 American College Health Association survey, 51% of college students reported feeling loneliness, highlighting it as a significant issue on campuses across the United States. This article will provide a few tips on how to cope when those feelings of loneliness and disconnection arise.
First, it is necessary to have compassion for yourself. Recognize that loneliness is a natural human experience and does not reflect your worth or value. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a friend. Do things that make you feel good, whether working on your favorite hobby, walking outside, listening to music or simply relaxing. Prioritizing self-care can better equip you to cope with loneliness and thrive during your college experience. Look at alone time as an opportunity to develop independence and a time to care for your emotional needs rather than viewing it as a negative.
Seek opportunities to connect with people, even if, on some days, all you can manage is just a quick chat with a friend. Attend campus events, volunteer somewhere you care about and join LifeGroups and clubs that share your interests or join intramurals if you enjoy playing sports. You never know where you will make a friend or find a friendly face. Creating a social life can help you feel less alone and more like you belong. Remember, meaningful connections can be found in unexpected places, so stay open to new experiences and opportunities to engage with others.
Avoid deciding how you will feel about an activity ahead of time. In other words, don’t predetermine your emotional response to various activities. Instead of staying stuck in the mindset that certain events will leave you feeling isolated or hinder your progress toward making friends, approach the opportunity with an open mind, optimism and a willingness to engage. Every event and interaction is different, and outcomes may surprise you. Brief interactions or small acts of kindness have the potential to develop into genuine friendships or simply brighten your day and alleviate feelings of isolation.
Dealing with loneliness in college is not easy, but it is something you can handle. Remember to be kind to yourself, try to make new connections and make a genuine effort to do so with a positive mindset. Doing these things can improve your college experience and decrease feelings of loneliness while also building a support system.
