5 ways to support your student if they鈥檙e feeling lonely
Social connection is an important part of college and adulthood. However, many students may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation during their time at 欧美口爆视频. As parents and family members, you can play a key role in helping them navigate these feelings and find ways to gain a sense of belonging both on campus and at home.听
Here are a few ways you can support your student if they鈥檙e feeling lonely.听
听1. Validate their feelings听
Let your student know that making friends in adulthood may feel more difficult than it was when they were younger, and that鈥檚 okay. Loneliness is a common experience among many college students and young adults, especially in our digital age.听听
If your student shares that they are going through a difficult time, feeling homesick or experiencing loneliness, validate their feelings and allow them to talk openly with you about what they鈥檙e going through. Help them acknowledge that feeling lonely doesn鈥檛 mean they鈥檙e doing something wrong or that there is something wrong with them. It can also be helpful to remind them that building meaningful friendships takes time, and feelings of loneliness are temporary, even if they don鈥檛 feel that way in the moment.听听
2. Listen without rushing to solve听
If your student shares their feelings or experiences, resist the urge to immediately jump in and offer solutions to their problems. Instead, create a safe space for them to freely express their emotions without judgment. Simple responses like, 鈥淭hat sounds really hard鈥 or 鈥淚 can tell how difficult this is for you鈥 are often more comforting than unsolicited advice.听
3. Stay meaningfully connected听听
Maintain regular contact with your student while allowing them to guide the frequency and duration of your chats. Be sure to let them know that they are not a burden, and you enjoy hearing from them.听
Keep in mind that talking over the phone or through video chat is often more helpful and comforting than texting or messaging. Sometimes even a quick call can make a significant difference in your student鈥檚 day. If your student feels awkward or uncomfortable asking for help directly, you can come up with a code phrase or image to indicate when they鈥檙e having a bad day or may need some additional support. For instance, your student may send you a text that says, 鈥淒o you have 10 minutes?鈥 or 鈥淭oday has been tough鈥 to let you know they need a sense of connection.听
4. Encourage small steps toward connection听
If your student feels lost or isn鈥檛 sure how to make friends, you may suggest manageable ways to meet people on campus, such as joining a club, attending an event, sitting next to someone in class or exploring volunteering opportunities through the Volunteer Resource Center.听听
It can be helpful to frame these activities as experiments rather than obligations. This may relieve some of the pressure your student feels and help them figure out what approaches work best for them. Let them know that it鈥檚 okay if it feels uncomfortable approaching people in these ways. Learning to tolerate distress and express vulnerability are important tools to develop when forming any relationships.听
Not sure where to refer your student? Here are some options you can share:听
- Student events: Each semester, Student Affairs and Health & Wellness Services host hundreds of events, workshops and other opportunities to get involved. Encourage your student to check out upcoming opportunities to meet other Buffs and have fun on campus.
- Transfer Buffs: If your student transferred to 欧美口爆视频, they can connect with resources, events and opportunities to build community with fellow transfer students on campus.
- Beyond Campus Buffs: Does your student commute to 欧美口爆视频 or live off campus? Encourage them to get involved with the Beyond Campus Buffs Program to meet other students, access the Commuter Lounge and more.
- Center for Student Involvement: Encourage your student to get involved through student organizations, leadership and volunteer opportunities, events and more.
- First-Generation Students Program: Is your student the first person in your family to attend college? They can connect with a community of first-gen students to socialize, learn about campus resources, find support and more.
- Student organizations: No matter what your student is into, there鈥檚 probably a student organization that fits their interests. Organizations can be a great way to get involved, find support and make lifelong friends.
- Residence halls on campus host events to help students meet their hallmates. Encourage your student to talk with your RA to learn about upcoming events.
- Campus jobs: Students can build their resume, learn valuable leadership skills and meet new people by applying for a job on campus!
- Recreation Services: The Rec Centers on campus are a great way to meet people, practice hobbies, stay active and try new things. They offer something for everyone from outdoor trips and fitness classes to team sports and free events.
- Pride Office: The Pride Office supports LGBTQ+ students through community events, social spaces, resources and more.听
5. Support their self-care听
Encourage your student to continue taking care of themselves. This can include things like maintaining their routines, getting enough sleep, staying active and moving their bodies or finding comfort in familiar spaces or activities. These habits can offer structure, comfort and stability, which can be particularly helpful when going through stressful periods.听
If your student needs help creating a routine, finding connections on campus or connecting with resources, they can make a free appointment with a peer wellness coach. These students are trained to support their fellow Buffs through a variety of situations, and they are aware of the challenges and opportunities that exist on campus.听
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers a robust group therapy program. Group therapy can be beneficial for students who are looking to build community, connect with students who hold similar identities and/or work on those skills needed to form relationships. 听If your student needs more support with their mental health, CAPS also offers individual mental health and psychiatric services to address concerns related to academics, anxiety, depression, relationships, substance use and more. They also provide information and support for family members and loved ones.