Isolation and Loneliness
It is quite common to feel lonely and isolated studying at university, particularly if:
- you have moved from home into a college or town accommodation where you don’t know anyone
- you are studying off campus, with little face-to-face contact with other students or staff
- you feel like you don’t fit in with the students around you
- you are in the throes of a long-term postgraduate research project.
Problems of loneliness and isolation tend to be worse when:
- you are just commencing your studies and have not yet plugged into the support networks of other students and staff.
- you have other problems, such as homesickness or difficulty with your studies.
The feeling of isolation can lead students to consider dropping out, but it is important to consider your options before taking this step.
Talk it over first
Communicating your study-related problems and ideas with other students can reduce feelings of isolation. So if you are off-campus, join in any on-line discussion forums that are associated with your unit, and attend residential schools where appropriate. If you live near a UNE Access Centre, pay them a visit. If you are on-campus, contact ServicesUNE and ask about their student oriented activities. This is a great way to meet other students and get involved in campus activities. Support staff at the University can also help you deal with the problem of isolation.
Some of the people you can talk to:
English Language & International Services
Your Head of Residence or one of the appointed residential leaders in your Residence