University loneliness epidemic leads two-thirds of affected students to consider dropping out – but shared accommodation may be the saving grace
08 September 2025
- Loneliness is rife at UK universities; one in three students admit to feeling very lonely (33%)
- Nearly two out of three affected students have considered dropping out as a result (63%)
- Shared living spaces help students in HMOs feel emotionally connected (48%) and living with other students boosts their mental health (39%)
One in three university students (33%) are experiencing loneliness and it’s driving many to consider dropping out, new research from Aldermore1 has revealed. However, shared living spaces are helping to alleviate the mental health impact on students.
Are UK universities seeing a loneliness epidemic?
The research has revealed a worrying state of affairs on UK campuses. Nearly four out of 10 students (39%) admit to feeling socially disconnected from other students and more than a third (36%) report often going a whole day without a meaningful in-person interaction.
For those who have experienced loneliness, they are seeing grades suffer (73%), whilst nearly two-thirds have (63%) considered dropping out of university altogether.
Shared living spaces offer respite from isolation
However, accommodation appears to be a key factor. Shared living spaces offer respite for many who feel lonely at university. One in four (23%) students say shared living spaces in their accommodation help them feel emotionally connected to others.
This rises to half (48%) of students who live in a house in multiple occupation (HMO) – a property rented out by three or more people, with shared facilities e.g. a kitchen or bathrooms.
Two in five students living in an HMO say their flatmate relationships boost their mental health (39%), while many are finding deep connections with each other; a third (34%) of HMO occupants can have important conversations with their flatmates that they’d never have with friends or family.
Good landlords mindful of isolated tenants
Many landlords are acutely aware of the student loneliness epidemic and have been proactive in checking on their student tenants’ mental health.
One in five students who are in contact with their landlord say they have checked in to see how they were and offered help (21%).
One in eight students (13%) even view their landlord as a surrogate parent while they are away from home.
Jon Cooper, director of mortgages at Aldermore said:
“University is often talked about as a once in a lifetime experience where you meet lifelong friends and have unforgettable experiences. But it can come with its challenges as people are away from their family and friends, often for the first time.
“Shared living spaces can make all the difference, providing important in-person interactions and helping struggling students to feel less alone. At Aldermore, we’re proud to support good landlords to offer quality housing, such as HMOs, to the student population.”
