A feeling that is as universal as it is misunderstood, loneliness is something that affects us all. Often associated with physically being alone, it is when we crave human connection and intimacy. This is not to say, that everyone who is alone is lonely, or everyone who is surrounded by friends is not feeling this way, but often it is a desire for acceptance; being seen and understood. When this need is not met, it accumulates into feeling unwanted and can develop into different mental health issues.  

However, when we first enter into university, this might not be our initial understanding, as it is not the experience that our friends and family told us about. But unfortunately many peoples’ first experience of loneliness is actually at university. Not only are we thrown into an accommodation situation that can feel very different from what we are used to, but we are away from home perhaps for the first time. Whether we have moved hundreds of miles or just up the road, the disconnection from our comfort zone is deeply felt. We are away from our family and our friends from school and the constancy they once provided, is no longer there. For something that is often referred to as the best time of our lives, it is not always so positive. 

UEA, along with other universities, try to make this experience as comfortable as possible. The jam-packed freshers itinerary has something, hopefully, for everyone; from getting to know Norwich to a roller disco to Hacker the Dog at the LCR. However, in 2023, government research showed that 92% of students experience loneliness, which perhaps demonstrates that activities alone are not enough and in many cases can cause social exhaustion. What this figure highlights is that almost all students feel, or have felt this way. This leads us to ask: what help is available and what can I do if I feel this way? 

Fortunately, the help offered at UEA not only reassures students that loneliness is normal, but that it is something that can be helped by the resources at Student Services, a service happy to help with even the smallest grievance.  

For many this feeling isn’t permanent. It is a feeling that may, after some reassurance, not persist beyond Christmas. For others, loneliness is something that can affect them right to the end of their degree and with that, unfortunately, comes a level of shame. 43% of students who feel lonely, say they worry they will be judged by their peers. This shows the level of stigma around something seemingly universal and demonstrates how misunderstood loneliness is and how little is known about what help is available. 

First years, as you start your lectures soon, you will notice how the first few slides of your lectures will show you what support is available. You may not need it now in the rush of the first few weeks, but it is important to know that it is there. The online referral to Student Services is on Blackboard, and someone from the team will be in touch with you within 48 hours.  

Jock Downie, the Head of Student Services, stated how incredibly proud he is of UEA’s Student Services, emphasising the passionate care the team show for students and their experience at university. This care is tailored to work for you and there is a number of different ways they can help.  

Hopefully this article reassures people that if you do feel lonely at all, that there is a team willing to listen and care for you. Downie said how the most common phrase him and the rest of the team will hear every day is ‘sorry to bother you with this’ and response he made it clear that, “Nothing is too small. We can have a look [at what’s going on], we give you resources and we can support you.” 

For more information, please visit their website: https://www.uea.ac.uk/uea-life/student-support/wellbeing 

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