Majority of students in university accommodation report feeling isolated

Over two-thirds of students feel lonely or isolated in their student halls, with the majority believing their accommodation choices contribute to this.

A poll commissioned by PfP (Places for People) Students found that 44% of students are finding it hard to make friends in their university accommodation, 33% are lonely or isolated often, and a further 37% feel that way occasionally.

Prompted by the results of the poll, PfP Students are running a support campaign called ‘Room to Belong’, aimed at encouraging accommodation providers to prioritise the wellbeing of students by “embedding mental health support into the very fabric of student living”.

This campaign would allow students experiencing feelings of loneliness or isolation the opportunity to speak to staff who are available 24/7.

Rachel, a respondent to the survey, said that she believes one reason students feel this way is due to their phones. She said that her phone keeps her in touch with “all [her] friends back home”.

87% of students [believe] that the accommodation they picked contributes to feelings of loneliness

It is often easier for students to rely on their current friendships, as opposed to the alternative of attempting to socialise with lots of new people. The familiarity they provide during a time of unrest and change makes this a logical choice for many.

Nonetheless, students may find socialising at university to be more complex than it had been at school, with increased pressure and independence.

Circumstantial factors such as assigned flatmates can influence the social experience at university, with 87% of students believing that the accommodation they picked contributes to feelings of loneliness.

Persistent mental health problems can lead to poor academic performance and reduced sense of belonging for students. While mental health support and staff whom students can speak to may help with this, they are not able to deal with the root causes of student isolation and despondency.