By Amy Granger, Second Year, Economics and Politics
The first moments left alone as your parents leave you in the alien halls of university accommodation are inevitably pretty hard to navigate. On one hand, you are on your own– finally! On the other hand, you are completely alone. Amy Granger explores loneliness and how to fight it when arriving at university.
Whilst new faces and new places bombard your mind for the following weeks after arriving, it can be understandably quite difficult to feel at ease, let alone at home, in a new city.
With constant reminders that fresher's week is supposed to be ‘the best week of your life’ and that first year is academically lax, just like one long shindig at The Brass Pig, it can sometimes be hard to accept that it is totally normal to feel homesick. In fact, PFP Students in 2025 revealed that nearly 70 per cent of university students reported feeling lonely. Remember this statistic when your social media feed tries to convince you that everyone is constantly having fun. That is, when the thief of joy, comparison, tries to trap you in your own feelings of isolation and when its evil partner in crime – self-consciousness (humanity’s historic hamartia) - prevents you from sharing your feelings.
The odds can seem like they are stacked against you: hangovers, British weather, social media and the great challenge of adulthood. However, as Sarah Ban Breathnach in a ‘Simple Abundance’ once said, ‘our stressed souls need the reassuring rhythm of self-nurturing rituals’. Rituals help us gain perspective and feel more connected to the culture around us.
Combating Morning Blues
My most isolating times, I realised, were the mornings. Although my flatmates were lovely, being neither in a catered accommodation and on differing schedules, they didn’t quite replicate the comfort instilled by a knock on the door by my mum or the coffee luring me downstairs each morning. Instead, to replace background family patter, I settled for (as a Politics student) the reassurance of my two surrogate Dads Rory and Alistair. Not only did I warm to the two hosts, but they also engaged me enough to fight the first treacherous 20 minutes of being awake.
Many freshers face morning blues because of the lack of comfort in their rooms, I faced this too. At first I found it a chore, but photos, reminders of home, warm lighting, a comforting smell can be enough to lay the foundations of finding that ‘at home’ sensation.
Post-Night Out Debriefs
Whatever the weather; dark grey clouds, rain, light grey clouds, howling 50knot wind, post night out debriefs are a must. This could mean going for a stroll to reconnect with nature, spiritually cleansing the system of toxins and letting yourself take a break. It could also look like being slumped on the outdoor seating at the W.G Grace, drinking the bottomless £1.60 coffee. When recollections of home and old friends begin to dawn, piecing together a night out with giggles and surrounded by your university friends can be the perfect way to ward off the hangover, anxiety and homesickness.
Pierce through the stigma
Be the one to pierce through the stigma: organise a Tuesday £2 Black Sheep coffee tradition, win last place at the Mother’s Ruin Pub quiz or a trip to the scenic Clifton Suspension Bridge and head to any of the give it a go’s until you find the society you truly connect to.
When the momentum of university life picks up and all you want to do is curl up in bed after a busy day. Instead, chatting with a flatmate, cup of tea in hand, can be the best medicine for feeling homesick.
Afterall, homesickness is like a rite of passage into adulthood and is an experience felt by each and every one of us.
Try out Intramural Sports
Among the people I interviewed for this article, intramural sports was mentioned the most as the best way to combat loneliness. Intramural’s triumph is their relaxed and mixed status provides a light-hearted and unpressurised atmosphere, ideal for having a laugh and forming friendships. Join the society that matches your course. It may sound obvious but seeing politics students at the white bear over a pint, dressed as your favourite politician proved a much easier way to connect with course mates than being sat down side by side in a lecture hall, trying to awkwardly whisper and listen. When scrolling through the societies, the events page on the Bristol SU website should not be underestimated, offering an endless plethora of events all throughout the year, they morph to match your daily energy levels: from sunset yoga, paint and sip to Document fresher's finale.
Explore the Music Scene
When in Bristol explore the music scene, clockwork factory raves, underground music society, gig society and of course jazz night at Mr Wolf’s every Tuesday.
Pub quizzes are a fan favourite, of which the venues are numerous such as the Hope and Anchor with a special shoutout to the apple and pear cider, Bag of Nails cat pub, Mothers Ruin (half-time chilli con carne included).
Being a Fresher is both challenging and exhilarating at the same time - feeling lonely is completely normal. Instead of allowing it to overwhelm or consume you, remember that your university years bring you newfound freedom and a chance to find your tribe and yourself.
Annie McNamee
Meg Stannett
Featured Image: Epigram/ Romina Treviño
How do you plan to combat loneliness?
