Growing up, most of us heard stories about how incredible the university experience should be. Whether from parents, teachers or university graduates, these vivid and exciting narratives painted pictures of lifelong friendships, wild parties, and growing into a successful and well rounded adult.
However, the much-anticipated university experience has lost its magic. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued growth of social media platforms, the campus landscapes of today have gone from bustling common areas, shared study rooms and busy cafeterias to empty and silent hallways, transforming the vibrant social hubs inhabited by ghosts and dust bunnies.
According to 2016 research from the National College Health Assessment, university students experience a higher prevalence of loneliness compared to any other demographic, which was made apparent in the responses conducted on Mount Royal campus.
One student said they noticed a disconnect, as most students attend classes simply for the lesson and classwork and leave immediately once it’s over.
“So I think just in classes I’m a bit more ‘lonely’ than I would be without the Covid experience,” one student told us.
With the inability to connect with peers on campus resulting from the damaging social impacts of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, research found that with 80% of first-year university students being forced to study off-campus in 2021 and 2022, the sense of seclusion and anxiety among students increased significantly and continues to linger as the population readjusts to life post-pandemic.
SAMRU’s representation executive council president, and current education student Joseph Nguyen, has also struggled with feelings of loneliness and touched on the harsh consequences that can arise from social isolation, one of which is turning down invitations to social gatherings.
“One of the non-intuitive reactions that loneliness causes is that your walls go up, defences go up,” Nguyen said.
Despite the noticeable decrease in social connection on university campuses, if you visit any social media platform there are countless videos that highlight the desire of students to make social connections with their peers.
Those grappling with loneliness can take solace in the shared journey with others; most, if not all, university students today, are hopeful and willing to make genuine and long-lasting connections.
