Studying at university can be a really exciting time for most students, but let's face it – sometimes, it can be really challenging!

Loneliness is a really common feeling amongst students, but many fight this feeling, believing that they shouldn’t be lonely in the first place.

So we've compiled our 5 biggest misconceptions of loneliness, because it’s completely normal to feel lonely at university – regardless of your situation!

1. You can only feel lonely when you’re on your own

Naturally, you might feel lonely if you’re socially isolated, but you can be in a room full of people (or with your friends) and still feel lonely.

Loneliness isn’t a reflection of your social life, so it’s perfectly normal to feel lonely whatever social situation you may find yourself in!

2. It's obvious when someone is feeling lonely

Often, the loudest person in the room can be the one feeling the loneliest. 

They could be extra chatty or command the attention of everyone when they enter a room, but this could merely be a defence mechanism.

Even if someone seems okay on the outside, they might be feeling alone on the inside, so remember to check in on even your loudest friends.

3. Loneliness is an older person’s problem

Loneliness doesn’t have favourites. Anyone, anywhere, of any age can experience loneliness, and it can creep up on you when you least expect it.

University can be a huge change. For most people, it's the first time you’ve lived away from your family, making loneliness even more likely. But this is completely normal, so don't feel like the odd one out.

4. Feeling lonely is a bad thing

There can be so much stigma around saying that you feel lonely that people can choose to hide it because they feel like it’s something to be embarrassed about. However, loneliness is not a bad thing – it just makes you feel bad.

Many people feel as though they can’t ask for help if they feel lonely, but it’s so important to create a safe space for your friends and peers to talk about loneliness. More likely than not, they have felt lonely at some point too!

5. You can’t fix feeling lonely

Arguably the most important point – there are so many things you can do to combat loneliness, but the most important thing is to acknowledge it.

Whether that’s talking to a friend or a peer, vocalising it can be a release and start to help straight away.

After this, you can try to schedule in time with your friends, take yourself away from work and other stresses, and just have a well needed social catch up!

So we hope that you understand that loneliness is completely normal, and whether you’re feeling it yourself or you think a friend or peer is feeling lonely, the most important thing you can do is be open about it. Conversation can be a huge help to anyone when it comes to loneliness.

And here's some quick resources that you can use if you're feeling lonely:

• We've partnered with Umii – an app which connects you to students at your university with the same interests, similar course types and societies as you. You can download it from the App Store or get it on Google Play, and start connecting with like-minded students today!
• Your Union has an advice centre who can provide advice and relevant signposting – you can email them at advicecentre-ussu@salford.ac.uk. 
• And finally, we also have Rafiki – the Students' Union's peer support listening service; led by students, for students. If you're experiencing any problems while you're at university, you can talk to our student volunteers who offer peer support here.