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:
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A good friend, roommate, or family member.
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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.
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External organizations/websites, for example:
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All Ears offers walk-in consultation hours with student workers at the Harmony Building and at Zernike.
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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.
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The MIND Hulplijn (Dutch website) provides free, anonymous, and professional advice and support to anyone who needs it. You can reach them by phone or online.
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Build a social network
What steps can you take to meet new people? Are there any initiatives for combating loneliness? Below you will find tips and information about building social relationships during your time at university.
Join a study, student, or student sports association
There are almost 100 different study associations and student associations in Groningen. They range from traditional study associations and social clubs to numerous student sports associations, international student associations, religious student associations, and many more.
Are you an international student?
There are various networks for international students.
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ESN Groningen is a student organisation which is part of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). ESN Groningen is focused on the motto “students helping students” and this is achieved by organising over 150 activities for international students throughout the year, including a huge introduction week at the beginning of each semester to ensure that new international students have the best possible start that they can in Groningen.
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Are you studying in Leeuwarden?
In Leeuwarden there are also several study-, student- and religious associations which you can join. At this webpage you can find more information about Leeuwarden as a student city.
Become an ESN Buddy
The ESN Buddy Programme pairs local students with international students to help them get started in Groningen! This makes it easy to meet new people in Groningen.
Visit Café de las Lenguas
Improve your language skills, meet new people and get a taste of culture at the language café! Café de las Lenguas is held every Thursday evening in the Harmonie building at the University of Groningen.
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.
Free online self-help modules
Would you like to get started with reliable, free online self-support at home? NewHealth offers a variety of modules, including on loneliness, lifestyle and resilience. University of Groningen students can use the online platform anonymously and free of charge. There are various topics to choose from.
Training courses and workshops
Would you prefer to attend a training course or workshop? At the University of Groningen Student Service Centre (SSC), you can attend valuable training courses free (or almost free) of charge on topics such as assertiveness and social skills, or thinking differently about yourself and your environment.
Get professional help
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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.
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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.
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Don’t have a GP yet? Register with one in your area.
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Are you an international student? Please visit rug.nl/healthcare.
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