Loneliness in University Students Sample Essay

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The Burden of Loneliness on College Students

The years of attending college form a substantial part of the life of someone in pursuit of higher education. Past the formative years of high school, college is about shaping one’s identity and juggling with various obstacles to emerge with advanced knowledge of one’s field. College graduates, equipped with a variety of skill sets, are groomed to be the leaders and thinkers of the future. One’s time in college, as a result, plays a crucial role in the kind of individual one may become. Among the many challenges of college life is loneliness, which can have an adverse social and psychological effect on a college student. However, there are certain means by which a college student may combat loneliness to lead a full, well-rounded college life.

In his review of empirical research on loneliness among college-goers, Ponzetti writes, "College males are usually lonelier than females, but they are also more likely to suffer greater negative self-evaluations and social consequences before admitting it” (336). Ponzetti’s statement indicates that the means by which college males may judge themselves depend on their social relationships and that the judgment is likely to be negative if they are lonely. To prevent the ‘negative self-evaluations,’ and fight loneliness, one of the solutions available to college students is becoming members of a committee within the college. Colleges have a number of student-run communities that students can become members of depending on their interests. These can be related to sports or outdoor activities or other mutual interests such as book or movie clubs. Becoming a part of these communities allows for college students to find like-minded individuals to share their interests with and these shared interests may function as ice breakers among strangers.

Joining a society or club is, according to an online article by Seb Ward on Times Higher Education, a great means to combat loneliness. Ward also suggests getting rid of self-imposed isolation:

"I found staying in my room to be toxic. Sitting in your room alone is likely to make you feel lonelier than you are. Try going to the library or to a café to work – anywhere where the conversation is taking place and you’re not deafened by the silence.”

Ward’s suggestion can be especially effective for organically meeting and interacting with strangers in places such as cafes and forging new friendships. Getting out of one’s room and going to public places can also have positive psychological effects.

Loneliness during college can be especially prevalent among students from distant cities or countries. Rokach and Spirling claim, "Transitions are stressful and challenging and especially for students who may move away from home as they start university, leaving behind family and social support systems” (109). In such situations, it may be beneficial for international students to seek advice from the international office or support center at the institution. Many colleges and universities host seminars and meet and greets for students to interact with one another and successfully integrate themselves into college life.

In conclusion, loneliness among college students is arguably a common problem, but one which can be solved through various means and by interacting with key communities and figures at the institution to enable one to form lasting social relationships.

 

Work Cited

Ponzetti, James J. "Loneliness among College Students.” Family Relations, vol. 39, no. 3, 1990, pp. 336–340. JSTOR.

Rokach, Ami and Shauna Spirling. "Feeling Inadequate and Alone: The Effects of University Induced Loneliness.” The Correlates of Loneliness, edited by Ami Rokach, Bentham Science Publishers, 2016, pp. 108-27.

Ward, Seb. "If you’re feeling lonely at university, you’re not alone.” Times Higher Education, 1 November 2018.