I feel lonely

Are you feeling lonely? It is perfectly normal to feel lonely sometimes, even when you are surrounded by people. You are certainly not the only one who experiences this; it happens to most students at some point.

What if feeling alone turns into loneliness? 

It may not be easy to admit this. Fortunately, there are ways to address it. The fact that you are on this page is already a good step. Here, you can read about what you can do yourself and where you can go for support.

Talk about it with someone you trust 

Although it sounds like a cliché, it really does help to get things off your chest. Some people you might approach could be:

• A good friend, roommate, or family member.
• Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay) and the BSA.
• External organizations/websites, for example:
  • All Ears offers walk-in consultation hours with student workers at the Harmony Building and at Zernike.
  • In je bol.nl (Dutch website) offers a listening ear by chat and phone, along with reliable information, experiences shared by others, and tips and tools to get started yourself.

Build a social network

Building a social network contributes to your social and mental well-being. Read more about what you can do to meet new people and what initiatives are available to combat loneliness.
▸How do I meet new people?

Get started with self-help modules, tips, and training courses

At the University of Groningen, you can get started with self-help modules, workshops, and training courses on loneliness, social skills, and more.

Get professional help

• Are you experiencing ongoing feelings of loneliness, or do you find it difficult to socialize? If so, you can request an intake interview with one of the psychologists at the UG Student Service Centre.

• Another possible step could be to make an appointment with your general practitioner or the GP practice nurse (POH-GGZ). The general practitioner is your first point of contact in the Dutch healthcare system. 
  • Don’t have a GP yet? Register with one in your area.
  • Are you an international student? Please visit rug.nl/healthcare.