The survey also found that an equally alarming 43 percent kept their loneliness hidden, fearing societal judgment.
The survey also found that an equally alarming 43 percent kept their loneliness hidden, fearing societal judgment.
Ninety two percent of students in the United Kingdom admitted to experiencing loneliness at some point during the last academic year, a recent survey conducted by YouGov, commissioned by the government, revealed. The survey also found that an equally alarming 43 percent kept their loneliness hidden, fearing societal judgment.
Loneliness emerged as a dominant concern among students, outweighing worries about budget management (49 percent), complex coursework (49 percent), securing suitable housing (26 percent) and the sense of belonging (48 percent).
Minister for Loneliness Stuart Andrew highlighted that loneliness can affect individuals in various situations. The transition to university life, often involving separation from home, family and friends, can lead to profound feelings of isolation, especially when coupled with the challenges of managing academic responsibilities and forging new friendships in an unfamiliar environment.
Andrew suggested that there are small things everyone can do to help alleviate loneliness and open up the conversation. This includes reaching out to those who might be struggling and spending time volunteering, such as by offering a regular conversation to students feeling isolated.
Raising awareness about loneliness
Andrew launched an awareness campaign in collaboration with Sporting Wellness, the Student Radio Association, Student Roost and Student Minds to encourage students to engage in conversations about loneliness.
The survey results also revealed that almost nine in 10 of students would not judge anyone who admitted to feeling lonely, with 60 percent expressing a willingness to engage in such conversations with their friends.
Support from friends
Moreover, eight in 10 of students claimed they had already provided support to friends experiencing loneliness and were committed to continuing to do so. The most common form of support, as suggested by respondents, was initiating a conversation and reassuring their friends that such feelings were entirely normal.
“We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about loneliness and to help them find the right advice and support whenever they need it,” the minister said.
Additionally, the study highlighted gender disparities, with 58 percent of female students and 48 percent of male students feeling uncomfortable seeking help for loneliness.
The UK government has invested over £80 million (approx. $97.5 million) in addressing loneliness since implementing its first strategy targeting this social issue.
