With many students having finished their classes for the year and either moving home or remaining in Derby for the summer, it can be pretty lonely waiting for University to start up again in September, and I know I spent my fair share of summers feeling quite lonely, but here are some of my top tips for how to deal with loneliness over the summer.
With many students having finished their classes for the year and either moving home or remaining in Derby for the summer, it can be pretty lonely waiting for University to start up again in September, and I know I spent my fair share of summers feeling quite lonely, but here are some of my top tips for how to deal with loneliness over the summer.
Tip 1:
Acknowledge that you are going to feel lonely at times; it’s a normal human feeling, and everyone feels lonely at least once in a while. You will not be the only person experiencing loneliness this summer.
Tip 2:
Try to create and maintain a routine. Without university lectures and deadlines and student communities, it can feel like there is suddenly no routine at all, so create one for yourself. Make sure you include the basics like eating, drinking and sleeping, but also ensure you include things to look forward to like hobbies or days out, or going outside for some fresh air.
Tip 3:
Stay connected with your university friends, whether it’s a quick message over text, Snapchat, Instagram or the platform of your choice, a call so you can hang out over the internet, or even hopping on the train or in the car and going to visit your friend wherever they live.
Tip 4:
Use it as a chance to reconnect with older friends! Got a friend from sixth form, college or secondary school who you miss or maybe an old work friend? Use this time as an opportunity to reconnect, maybe meet up for a drink or to hang out together!
Tip 5:
Consider volunteering; there are many great organisations out there who would really appreciate a helping hand! Volunteering is great as it gives you the chance to socialise, help other people and develop your skills (It also looks really good on a CV)! Just hop online and search for volunteering opportunities in your area.
Tip 6:
Spend some time with your family! While studying at University it can be really hard to fit in a chance to see your family, either because you are too busy with work or because you are too far away to visit them during term time
Tip:
Remember, just because you are away from University it does not mean support completely disappears. If you are struggling this summer, please do reach out to student services for support.