Surviving Holiday Loneliness: Tips for College Students Away from Home
The holiday season, typically between the end of December and early January, is a time of year often associated with joy, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. However, for many college students who find themselves away from home, it can also bring about concurrent feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can impact one’s mental health. This article offers practical tips to help college students navigate holiday loneliness and maintain their well-being.
Understanding Holiday Loneliness
Feeling lonely during the holidays can be a common experience for college students who cannot return to their homes. This may be a more visible experience for students who are from different countries or have homes far away. However, students who have financial barriers for traveling home or students who have strained relationships with their families can also be impacted. Feelings of loneliness can arise across a variety of situations and should not be discounted. Instead, it’s important to:
- Accept Your Emotions: It's okay to feel sad or disconnected. Acknowledging your feelings can allow you to take proactive steps to address your mental health needs.
- Know You're Not Alone: Many college students may be in similar situations. Remembering this may alleviate some sense of isolation, and help you find community wherever you spend the holiday season.
Building a Support Network
Creating connections can help mitigate holiday loneliness and therefore college students may benefit from leveraging their proximity to peers during the holiday time, especially when they do not have access to their families.
- Connect with Peers: Reach out to other students who are also away from home. Organize group activities or simply spend time together. Sharing your feelings of loneliness during the holidays with your peers may lead to meaningful conversations that last even after the holiday season.
- Join Campus Events: Many colleges host holiday events for students staying on campus. Participating can help you meet new people and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Contact your student body government or look for information about events during the holidays. If you are struggling to attend, bring a friend or ask to become a volunteer at the event.
- Stay Connected: Use video calls and social media to keep in touch with family and friends, and therefore reduce feelings of disconnection. Engage in solo activities such as completing work, drinking coffee, or reading a book in a public space (e.g., coffee shop, library, lounge) to be physically close to others during this time.
Establishing New Traditions
Holiday traditions travel with us even when we are not in the same place every year for the holidays. Similarly, creating your own holiday traditions can make this time of year more enjoyable.
- Become a Host: Invite fellow students to a potluck dinner. Sharing a meal can foster a sense of community. Suggest a holiday gift exchange with a student-friendly budget to engage in the festivities. Set up a virtual party for your peers or family members to celebrate the holidays with you.
- Decorate Your Space: The act of putting up holiday decorations in your dorm or apartment can lift your spirits. Decorating your space may bring about feelings of nostalgia or even a sense of freedom.
- Volunteer: Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and connection. Loneliness may be easier to combat in the presence of others, especially ones who you can bring joy to. Consider volunteering at places such as soup kitchens, coat drives, local animal shelters, or senior citizen centers.
Prioritizing Self-Care
Your well-being can be a powerful informant in shifting feelings of loneliness to peacefulness or contentment. Your mental and physical health play a part in the quality of this time spent on your own.
- Maintain a Routine: Keeping a regular schedule can provide structure and reduce feelings such as confusion, boredom, and sadness.
- Engage in Hobbies: Spend time on activities you enjoy to promote wellness. Some examples include creating art, or learning something new (e.g., a new video game, knitting, baking, etc.).
- Exercise: Physical activity can improve mental health by releasing endorphins. Examples can include going to the gym, doing a home workout, going to a dance class, or playing sports.
Exploring Coping Mechanisms
Develop strategies to manage feelings of loneliness.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help you practice being in the present and staying grounded, especially when difficult moments arise.
- Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings related to the holiday time can provide an outlet to express yourself in a concrete manner.
- Set Goals: Focusing on personal or academic goals can shift your attention to short term successes.
Seeking Professional Support
If feelings of loneliness persist, consider reaching out for professional help.
- Campus Counseling Services: Most colleges offer mental health resources for students. You can call or email to set up a first appointment. Even if you are not considering professional help, it is important to know who you can contact.
- Support Groups: Joining groups, even virtual ones, can connect you with others facing similar challenges.
- Crisis Hotlines: Crisis hotlines can provide you with immediate support from your phone. You can always call or text 988 to connect with trained crisis counselors 24/7.
Staying Positive and Forward-Focused
Maintaining a positive outlook can make a significant difference.
- Practice Gratitude: Acknowledge the good things in your life, no matter how small. Writing down a list can help with fully embracing those good things.
- Plan for the Future: Organize visits with family and friends for when you can reunite.
In conclusion, holiday loneliness is a challenge that many college students face when they are away from home. By recognizing your feelings and implementing coping mechanisms that work best for you, you can try to make the most of this time of year. Reaching out to others and taking care of yourself can be vital steps toward overcoming feelings of loneliness. You are not alone. With proactive efforts, you can transform this season into a period of personal growth and connection.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, don't hesitate to seek professional support.
Call 911 for any imminent medical emergencies or crises.
Call or text 988 for the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Services are provided in English and Spanish.
For more information on MPG's support services for young adults, click here.
