How Middlesex focuses on belonging to reduce loneliness

Ahead of World Mental Health Day, Middlesex Head of Access and Participation urges universities to tackle student loneliness

In the lead-up to World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Middlesex University's Head of Access and Participation, Dr David Gilani, is exploring the growing issue of student loneliness.

Drawing on data from more than 7,800 students across 15 English universities, coming into higher education for the first time, Dr Gilani and co-author Dr Michelle Morgan found that feelings of loneliness are common before students even arrive on campus.

Key findings in their research highlighted:

• 14.9% of female undergraduates said they often felt lonely, compared with 11.8% of male undergraduates;
• 45.6% of non-UK undergraduate students said they lacked companionship "some of the time" before arriving at university, compared with 38.6% of UK undergraduates;
• 39.1% of female undergraduates said they felt lonely "some of the time", compared with 31.0% of male undergraduates;
• One-third (33%) of UK 16- to 29-year-olds report feeling lonely often, always or some of the time, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) research cited;
• Students with prior study/school attendance below 40% were 4 times more likely to report feelings of loneliness compared to students with 80% or more prior study attendance 

Dr David Gilani’s work is focused on improving outcomes for under-represented groups and understanding the overall student experience. He says universities can help prevent loneliness by recognising that a sense of belonging begins before students even arrive on campus:

“Outreach activities should do more than promote courses. They should help young people see how higher education connects to their own goals and aspirations, while listening to how they define success for themselves. Once students enrol, support should not end after welcome week. Universities need to provide ongoing guidance throughout the first term and at key transition points, such as moving accommodation, progressing to a new year of study or joining late.”

He also believes that creating stronger academic communities is also vital:

“While university-wide events and societies can help students meet people, research suggests that students often develop their strongest sense of belonging within their subject area. Universities and students' unions should therefore work together to build supportive course-based communities where students can develop meaningful academic and social connections with their peers.”

Finally, Dr Gilani says universities need better ways to understand and measure belonging:

“A single survey may not capture the full student experience, particularly as loneliness and belonging can change over time. Institutions should use a range of data sources to assess different aspects of connection, including social, emotional and academic belonging. They should also set clear targets for supporting vulnerable groups, such as care-experienced and estranged students, so they can evaluate whether their interventions are making a real difference to student wellbeing, engagement and success.”

In his role at Middlesex, Dr Gilani leads on interventions, research and reporting to ensure equitable student success.

His work highlights how a sense of belonging can influence wellbeing long before a student arrives on campus, and then throughout their time at university. Equally important is ensuring that students have opportunities to share their perspectives and help shape the support available to them.

That principle sits at the heart of Middlesex University's approach to student wellbeing and echoes the theme of this year's World Mental Health Day which takes place on 10th October: Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.

Hannah Keating, Head of Student Success and Support, said the University is committed to listening to students and using their experiences to inform meaningful improvements in support and services.

“We are reflecting on the importance of hearing and responding to the lived experiences of our students and working collaboratively with them,” she said.

“At Middlesex, we are committed to creating an environment where students feel safe to speak openly about their wellbeing, confident that they will be listened to and supported”.

Middlesex University supports student wellbeing through a comprehensive range of services, including free counselling, mental health advice, wellbeing workshops, disability support, welfare guidance and specialist assistance for students facing personal or academic challenges.

For more information on how to access advice and support, please visit the Middlesex University’s student support page.