U of A students campaign aims to fight loneliness felt by many Albertans

Do you suffer from loneliness? Well according to experts, it’s a real thing that many Albertans face.

Nathanael Ip knows what it’s like to be lonely. He moved from B.C. to attend the U of A in 2023. That transition was tough.

“Coming from out of province, I really struggled with not knowing anyone,” said Ip.

“Especially after the pandemic and with social media, people are struggling to develop meaningful social connections. That’s why it’s so important to create these organic spaces for people to meet.”

To fight the loneliness of social isolation, some University of Alberta students began a “It starts with hello” campaign.

The goal is to connect students and break social barriers

A recent survey found 65 per cent of post-secondary students in Alberta have reported feeling lonely in the past year. Social isolation can have physical consequences

“For example, is chronic loneliness being diagnosed as depression and being treated with anti-depressants. I don’t think we know,” explained Dr. David McConnell, Occupational Health & Therapy of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta.

In 2018, the United Kingdom created a Minister for Loneliness after research showed it had effects to people’s physical health. That is something students would like to see.

“But it’s a very strong start to what needs to be done because creating these spaces for students to organically interact is so vital in developing that connection,” said Ip.