British universities are grappling with what has been described as a loneliness epidemic, with one in three students admitting to feeling “very lonely” and many considering abandoning their studies altogether.
Research from Aldermore shows that 33% of students experience persistent loneliness and almost two-thirds of those affected (63%) have thought about dropping out as a result. The report highlights the knock-on effects of social isolation, with 73% of lonely students saying their academic performance has suffered.
The study paints a stark picture of campus life, with 39% of students feeling socially disconnected from peers and more than a third (36%) often going a full day without a meaningful face-to-face conversation.
Yet housing arrangements appear to play a significant role in easing the strain. Shared accommodation, particularly houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), provides crucial opportunities for interaction.
Nearly half of HMO residents (48%) say shared spaces make them feel emotionally connected to others, while two in five (39%) report that their mental health improves from living with other students.
A third (34%) say they can have conversations with flatmates that they would not have with family or friends.
The findings also suggest that some landlords are taking a supportive role in student wellbeing. One in five students with landlord contact said their landlord had checked in on their welfare, while 13% described their landlord as a “surrogate parent” during term time.
Jon Cooper, director of mortgages at Aldermore, said: “University is often talked about as a once in a lifetime experience where you meet lifelong friends and have unforgettable experiences. But it can come with its challenges as people are away from their family and friends, often for the first time.
“Shared living spaces can make all the difference, providing important in-person interactions and helping struggling students to feel less alone. At Aldermore, we’re proud to support good landlords to offer quality housing, such as HMOs, to the student population.”
The report suggests that while student loneliness remains a serious issue, shared homes may provide one of the most effective remedies.
