More than one in six students say they have no “true friends” among their peers, according to a survey that has raised concerns about mental health at universities.
Nearly a third of students feel lonely on a weekly basis, while 15.8 per cent feel that way every single day of term time, according to research published by higher education policy group Wonkhe.
Black and minority ethnic (Bame) students, international students and disabled students are more likely to feel lonely on campus, the survey suggests.
There is a risk that more students could become isolated and lost as universities expand, the group adds.
Experts are calling for institutions to increase mental health and wellbeing support following the lifting of the cap on student numbers and a more diverse intake.
Some 17 per cent of those asked by Trendence UK, which carried out the survey on behalf of Wonkhe, said they did not consider themselves to have any true friends at university – rising to 20 per cent for international students.
More involvement in student activities leads to better wellbeing and less loneliness, the report suggests.
Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe editor, said: “The acquisition of friendships and social capital is woven deeply into assumptions about university – but as universities get bigger there is a real danger that many get lost and lonely.
“It’s crucial that universities and student unions consider how students can be supported to develop friendships as a key part of the student mental health puzzle.”
The findings was released at Wonkhe’s conference in London on Monday, where universities minister Chris Skidmore called on rogue private landlords to stop exploiting vulnerable students.
He said: “Students’ time at university should be seen as some of the best days of their lives and yet I have heard appalling stories of students living in terrible conditions, which can affect their studies and even their mental health.”
A Universities UK spokesperson said: “Growing evidence from the What Works Centre for Wellbeing shows that loneliness has an adverse impact on health, particularly mental health.
“The wellbeing of students and staff is a priority for UK universities and how well they support their students throughout their studies is increasingly seen as a measure of success.”
