It’s Loneliness Awareness Week from 28 September till 4 October. Leiden University offers a range of activities and initiatives intended to help students.
Almost 80% of students in the Netherlands experience loneliness to some extent (RIVM, 2021). This can be related to language barriers, lack of in-person contact or feelings of not belonging.
People experience loneliness in different ways but it is often accompanied by low mood, anxiety and other effects on your mental and physical health. In other words, it can have a big impact on your well-being and happiness.
On this page, you can find tips, tools and activities that can help you to connect with others.
Walk-in consultation hour Returning after the corona period
For some students, the corona period is well and truly behind them. For others, it had such an impact that it is still a daily reality. Have you fallen into social isolation, had experiences you cannot talk about, become ill and not yet recovered, experienced exclusion or still feel unsafe?
Whatever your experiences or situation, everyone is welcome to talk about it during this walk-in hour on 28 September from 16:00 till 18:00. You can either just drop by or register in advance.
28 September Open Doors Day
On the first day of Loneliness Awareness Week, Thursday 28 September, it is Open Doors Day and the doors of your lecturers and study advisers will be (symbolically) open.
It is important that you know who to contact with any questions. For example, do you know who your study adviser is? On 28 September, why not drop by and say hello to your study adviser or visit that lecturer you always wanted to speak to? If you have questions or need advice, you are also welcome to come by.
Of course, you can also drop by after 28 September and we hope will do so for the rest of the year. See you on Open Doors Day!
10 tips for tackling loneliness
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1. Reflect
Reflect on when you feel lonely. In what types of situation or environment? What do you think is missing? How does that make you feel? By answering these questions you can identify your needs and start looking for solutions in the right places.
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2. Look close to home
A student house is a great place to build friendships. There is usually somebody home to talk to and you really get to know each other by living together. Do you still live at home but might like to live in a student house? Take a look on the DUWO website.
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3. Take the first step
Make a list of friends and acquaintances. Who haven’t you been in touch with for a while? Would you like to hear from them? Or maybe they might like to hear from you? Give it a try. Ask how someone is doing.
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4. Do something for someone else
Doing voluntary work is a great way to extend your social network. You’ll get to know other people whilst learning more about yourself. Read tip 1 (above) and consider what type of volunteer work might suit you.
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5. Find an association
Have you already joined a student or study association? There are many types available all offering different activities. Even if you don’t necessarily want a regimented student life, you should be able to find something that offers fun without too many obligations.
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6. Join the team
A part-time job can be a good way to make friends. Look for vacancies at companies that offer a fun environment. Consider the type of work and the setting. For example, close teams tend to develop quickly in the hospitality industry.
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7. Routine pick-me-up
Looking for something more straightforward? Find a routine activity that you can do every week, for example a sport or something creative. This won’t take up too much of your time but will provide an opportunity to come into contact and stay in contact with other people.
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8. GezondeBoel E-health platform
Would you rather try a self-help tool? Gezondeboel is an E-health platform including a special module on loneliness that you can follow over four to eight weeks. As a Leiden University student you can access the platform for free.
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9. It's a match
A lot of people don’t realise it, but the Bumble dating app also has a BFF version where you can look for friendship matches. Start a conversation and if you get along, why not arrange a first meeting?
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10. Ask for help
Is your loneliness really getting you down and are you experiencing other mental health issues? Consider talking to a (student) psychologist or coach. They can help you to examine your situation and take steps in the right direction.
Acts of Kindness
Maybe you already noticed them? Bulletin boards with little cards pinned to them. These are Acts of Kindness boards which bring together supply and demand by way of little notes. For example, a suggestion for a good book or an invitation to drink coffee or cook dinner together. This is a lovely way to get to know people and perhaps be inspired to help others.
During Loneliness Awareness Week, a new board will be unveiled at Plexus Student Centre. Why not drop by and leave a note?
You can also find Acts of Kindness board at Campus The Hague, the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Living Room
Did you know that there are 'Living Rooms' available at several locations within the university? Living Rooms can be used by students as a place to relax, chat with friends and get to know other students. Every Living Room can be used by students of all faculties. At the Living Room in Plexus there is also a Student Well-being Desk where you can find out about well-being activities and facilities. You can find Living Rooms in the KOG, the faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Plexus Student Centre.
