Of the findings from the HEPI / Advance HE Student Academic Experience Survey for 2022 it was that nearly one-in-four students feel lonely ‘all’ or ‘most’ of the time. This is one of a growing number of reports on loneliness experienced by students. During the pandemic, the Office for National Statistics reported that 26% of students felt lonely often or always, compared with 8% of the adult population while, back in March 2022 it found that students are significantly more likely to say they are lonely than the general population.
Loneliness is intrinsically connected to belonging. The UPP Foundation Student Futures Manifesto described how it is by building community and a sense of belonging that loneliness can be tackled. The link between belonging and student success is well established. As Anna Jackson wrote on the HEPI blog, ‘this “sense of belonging” while at university can make or break students’ overall experience and success.’
That’s why the University of Leeds has placed belonging at the centre of our Access and Student Success strategy. Our students must feel that we are valued and that we can establish connections in order to thrive and learn.
In the first instance, this can be shaped by absence of friendships or n
