A stark new survey has revealed a hidden crisis of loneliness within UK university accommodation, with a significant majority of students in halls reporting feelings of isolation.
The Scale of Student Isolation
More than two-thirds of students living in university halls of residence experience loneliness or isolation, according to a poll commissioned by the accommodation provider PfP Students. The research, conducted by Opinium, found that 33% of students feel lonely or isolated often, with a further 37% feeling this way occasionally.
The findings paint a troubling picture of student life. Forty-three per cent of respondents feel isolated in their own accommodation, while 44% struggle to make friends there. An overwhelming 87% believe the type of accommodation they chose directly impacted their feelings of loneliness.
Barriers to Connection: Cost and Design
Students pinpointed several key factors contributing to their isolation. Financial pressures emerged as a major barrier, with 51% stating the cost of their accommodation limits their social activities. The broader cost of living crisis and university fees further strain budgets, making simple social acts like going for a drink prohibitively expensive for many.
The physical design of living spaces also plays a role. Forty-one per cent said the layout of their accommodation made it harder to meet people. Other reasons cited include difficulty meeting people outside their flat (45%), spending excessive time studying or working (39%), and being put off by noise or the environment (26%).
A Personal Account: "Lonely, Terrifying and Scary"
Rachel Horrobin, a 20-year-old third-year psychology student, shared her experience as part of PfP Students' 'Room to Belong' campaign, which commissioned the study. She described her first year as intensely lonely, recalling a moment after Christmas where she "just didn't want to live here any more."
Horrobin believes technology exacerbates the problem, allowing students to retreat to existing friends from home rather than forging new connections. "People don't really tend to reach out any more," she observed, noting that many friends feel isolated even while living in large groups.
"I can count on one hand the number of people I've met that have had a good experience at university that wasn't lonely and terrifying and scary," she added, challenging the perception of university as a universally vibrant social experience.
Calls for Action and Support
The research underscores a pressing need for better support systems. Seventy-nine per cent of students said access to mental health support would influence their choice of university accommodation.
In response, PfP Students' campaign is calling for student halls to have at least one member of staff available 24/7, ensuring residents always have someone to talk to. Eamonn Tierney, Managing Director of PfP Students, stated: "Providers have a responsibility to help students integrate, build bonds and thrive so they don't feel alone."
He emphasised that the common perception of students instantly making friends and settling in is far from the reality for most, who experience some level of loneliness during this pivotal life stage.
