Let’s be real - uni life isn’t always the constant buzz of new mates, parties, and societies that social media makes it look like. You can be surrounded by people and still feel completely on your own. Maybe you’ve taken a year out and come back to a new class, commute from home and feel left out of campus life, or you’re far from home and not quite in sync with the local humour. Or maybe you just find social settings a bit draining - not everyone thrives on small talk with strangers. 

 At our Drop-In, we often chat with students who say they’re finding it hard to connect. And while Queen’s has loads going on - from SU events and clubs to sports and volunteering - actually showing up can be the hardest part. That’s why we’ve been working on new ways to help you ease into it.  

One of these is Social Prescribing. Think of it as personalised matchmaking for your wellbeing. You’ll work one-to-one with our Social Prescriber to find activities or groups that suit you, and there’ll be follow-up support to help you stay connected once you’re settled. 

Another great option Handy Helpers, a low-pressure volunteering programme that makes it easy to meet people naturally (no forced small talk required). You can just sign up for individual events - no big commitment, just good vibes and positive atmosphere. 

If you’ve been feeling lonely or just unsure where to start, check out the full post on The Drop-in Dialogues blog. It dives deeper into what loneliness can look like, how to figure out what kind of connection you actually want, and how to find it - without pretending to be someone you’re not. 

👉 Read the full article here: Cultivating Connections: When Students Seek Support for Loneliness 

By Carolyn Jamison

Student Wellbeing Service