Many students look forward to the long summer break they have from classes. For others, though, this may be a time of loneliness. You may be lonely if you’re unable to go home for the summer or you’re otherwise separated from the people you’d like to be with. Loneliness is a deep feeling of isolation that may impact your physical as well as your mental health.
If you’re experiencing this yourself, there’s no need to feel like it’s something you just need to cope with. Here are some things you can do to tackle loneliness to make it less intense or even stop feeling lonely all together.
1. Stay in Contact with Friends
Even if you’re far from your friends physically, you can enjoy their company by staying in contact. Let them know you miss them and ask them how their summers are going. Many friends will be happy you reached out and want to tell you about what they’re doing.
However, it’s important to not keep checking your phone. When you’re not in an active conversation, put it away and find something else to do to avoid feeling worse.
2. Meet New People
There are always new people to meet — you just need to know where to find them. Think outside the box for ways to make new friends. For instance, you could sign up for a summer class, volunteer, or find a seasonal job. If you choose something related to your hobbies and interests, you’re likely to be around people who have similar passions to you.
3. Find Ways to Enjoy Being Alone
It doesn’t follow that you’ll be lonely just because you’re alone. Use the chance to catch up on the self-care you may have neglected during the summer. Incorporate a new relaxing routine into your schedule, such as regular facials, afternoon naps, or mindfulness practice. Now is also the perfect chance to develop good habits for the rest of the year — for instance, you could learn more recipes for meals, discover new ways to exercise that you enjoy, or read more books for pleasure.
4. Make Your Summer Whatever You Want It
One reason you may feel lonely is because you’re comparing yourself to others. If your friends are traveling or doing expensive things you can’t afford, you may feel left out. However, you can perfectly spend the summer just relaxing at home, going for hikes nearby, or exploring your university town. It’s only one summer — you always have the chance for adventures in the future.
5. Seek Help
If you’re unable to cope with your loneliness on your own, seek professional help. Even if campus resources are unavailable over the summer, your school may be able to put you in touch with an affordable counselor. Working with a professional will help you learn to manage your emotions in a healthy way, including through coping strategies and talking about your feelings. This is useful for the rest of the year, too.
Even if no one you know is around, there are sure to be other students in your university town over the summer. A great place to meet them is student housing. Find uOttawa off-campus housing at 417 Nelson. You can choose to have one or two roommates or live alone and meet others around the building, including in the landscaped gazebo area. Contact us for a lease.