In the middle of all that, it’s easy to underestimate how much relationships matter. But connection isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s vital for mental wellbeing.

We are social creatures by nature. Having people you trust, talk to, laugh with, or simply sit beside can buffer against stress, reduce anxiety, and give you a stronger sense of stability. Supportive relationships help you cope with the challenges of uni life and remind you that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Why Social Connection Supports Mental Health

Strong relationships can do more than improve your mood — they actively protect your mental health. Research shows that students who feel connected to others report lower levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. They also tend to be more resilient and perform better academically.

Here’s why it matters:

• Emotional support: When you’re struggling, even a short chat with someone who gets it can make a big difference.
• Perspective: Friends can help you reframe stressful thoughts or remind you of your strengths.
• Shared experience: Knowing that others are going through similar challenges makes things feel more manageable.
• Belonging: Feeling part of something — a flat, a club, a group — creates a sense of identity and safety.

Connection gives you something to lean on. And in tough times, that can be the thing that keeps you going.

What Supportive Relationships Look Like

Support doesn’t have to come from a huge social circle. It’s not about how many people you know — it’s about the quality of your connections.

Supportive relationships are built on:

• Trust: You feel safe to be yourself, even on the hard days.
• Mutual care: You listen to each other, and both feel seen and valued.
• Consistency: You don’t have to speak every day, but you know they’ll show up when it counts.
• Respect for boundaries: Good friends give space when you need it and understand that everyone has their own pace.

These can be close friendships, casual flatmate bonds, course group connections, or relationships built around shared interests. What matters is how those connections make you feel.

If You’re Struggling to Build Connections

It’s completely normal to find making friends difficult — especially if you’re introverted, dealing with anxiety, or just feeling out of place in a new setting.

Here are some gentle, low-pressure ways to start building connection:

1. Join a society or group

Look for a club, society, or hobby group that fits your interests. It gives you a reason to show up regularly and makes starting conversations much easier. Most people join because they want to meet others too.

2. Show up consistently

You don’t have to be the loudest or most outgoing person in the room. Just turning up — to lectures, socials, group study sessions — helps others start to recognise and connect with you over time.

3. Be open to small moments

Connection doesn’t always start with deep conversations. A chat in the kitchen, a shared laugh in a seminar, or a walk to campus with a course-mate can be the beginning of something meaningful.

4. Let people in (when you’re ready)

You don’t have to share everything all at once. But being honest when you’re not okay or reaching out when you need support allows people to be there for you. That’s what connection is built on.

Maintaining Relationships While Managing Mental Health

When you’re going through a difficult time, it can be tempting to pull away from others. While some space is healthy, too much isolation can make things feel worse. If you’re finding it hard to stay in touch, try:

• Sending a short message instead of having a full conversation.
• Making a plan to meet for a coffee or walk, even if you’re low on energy.
• Letting friends know what you need — whether it’s someone to talk to or simply hang out with in silence.

Remember, good friends won’t expect you to be constantly available or always upbeat. They’ll want to support you — and accepting that support is not a burden, it’s a strength.

When to Seek Extra Support

If you’re feeling consistently lonely or disconnected, even when you’re around others, it might be a sign that you need additional support. You’re not alone in that feeling.

Reach out to your university’s wellbeing services or talk to someone through Student Space. You can also connect with peer support groups or student-led communities through Student Minds.

You deserve connection. And sometimes, taking that first step, however small, is the beginning of something bigger.

Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Take Your Time

You don’t need to make a best friend in Freshers’ Week or be part of a big social group to feel connected. Real relationships take time to build. Start small, stay open, and be patient, with others and with yourself.

What matters most is that you have people in your life who make you feel safe, understood, and supported. Those relationships, no matter how they begin, are one of the strongest foundations for good mental health during your time at university and beyond.