Loneliness Epidemic Grips Over Half of US Undergraduates, Study Finds
A recent survey has revealed that over half of undergraduate students in the US experience frequent loneliness. The findings show 57% of respondents feel 'sometimes' or 'always' lonely, with certain groups reporting even higher rates. Younger students, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those facing financial insecurity were among the most affected.
The study highlighted a clear link between loneliness and mental health struggles. Students who often felt isolated were up to four times more likely to develop a mental health disorder. Among them, 60% met the criteria for an anxiety disorder, while 48% showed signs of depression.
Many students also described feeling disconnected from their residential communities. Despite awareness of campus mental health services, most remained hesitant to seek help. This reluctance persists even as research shows psychological distress can directly impact retention and graduation rates.
In 2023, then-Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared loneliness a national epidemic. He emphasised its effect on student progression, noting that 50% of those who paused their studies cited mental health challenges. Another 30% pointed to loneliness or isolation as a key factor.
The consequences extend beyond personal well-being. Lonely students were far less likely to recommend their university to others. A strong sense of belonging, meanwhile, remains tied to overall student satisfaction—something loneliness risks undermining.
The data underscores the widespread nature of student loneliness and its far-reaching effects. From mental health to academic success, isolation appears to play a significant role in shaping university experiences. While some institutions have introduced support programmes, no standardised approach has yet emerged to address the issue.
