Lonely at University: First Semester, Moving, a New City
Loneliness at university is common, especially at the start and after a move. About a quarter of students feel lonely at least sometimes. It helps to meet the same people at the same places on a regular basis. If loneliness is weighing you down, talk to someone, for example the TelefonSeelsorge (a free crisis line, 24/7, in German) or the counseling service at your Studierendenwerk (the student services organization at your university).
How many students feel lonely?
About one in four students at least sometimes, and considerably more in student dorms.
For the 2026 dossier of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK, a large German health insurer), the polling institute Forsa surveyed 1,000 students in January 2026. The results on loneliness were published in October. 25% feel lonely at least sometimes, 4% often. How you live makes a big difference:
| Living situation | Lonely at least sometimes |
|---|---|
| Student dorm | 43% |
| Shared apartment | 34% |
| Alone | 29% |
| With parents or relatives | 23% |
| With a partner in the same household | 17% |
The TK does not give the number of respondents for each living situation. Because only a small share of students live in dorms, that figure is probably less certain than the others. Still, it shows that having lots of people around you does not automatically protect you from loneliness.
Even years after the pandemic, young adults are lonely more often than older people. According to the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB), around 21% of 21- to 30-year-olds felt very lonely in winter 2024/2025, compared with 14% of 31- to 54-year-olds. Any feelings of loneliness were reported by 42% of 21- to 30-year-olds, compared with 45% in 2022. Research considers your early twenties a phase of life that is particularly prone to loneliness, because so much is in transition.
Why is the beginning so hard?
Because old connections are getting weaker while new ones are not there yet.
When you move, your circle of friends, your family, and familiar places fall away. At university, the groups change from class to class, and many students commute or work on the side. New connections form more easily when you see the same people again and again. In the first semester, that is exactly what is often missing.
It is important to know: loneliness is a feeling, not a verdict on you. Many others in their first semester know it too. They just rarely show it.
What helps against loneliness at university?
Fixed, recurring commitments with the same people, and small steps instead of big resolutions.
- One fixed commitment a week. University sports, a choir, the Fachschaft (the student council for your subject), a student group, or volunteering. What it is matters less than going back every week.
- Suggest a study group. In almost every class there are others who would like one just as much. You only have to ask.
- Use programs for first-year students. Many universities have orientation weeks and mentoring or buddy programs. TK CEO Jens Baas names mentoring programs for first-year students as an example of what could help.
- Keep up old connections. A regular weekly call with someone you trust keeps that connection going while new ones grow.
- Don't give up too soon. New friendships take time. Not knowing anyone after three weeks is normal, not a sign that it will never work out.
Where can I find support at my university?
At the psychological counseling service, at Nightlines, and through your university's programs for first-year students.
- Psychological counseling: The Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) points out that most universities have a psychological counseling center that offers confidential advice. At the Studierendenwerke, it is usually free for students. You can read more in the article Psychosocial counseling at the Studierendenwerk.
- Nightline: In some university towns there is a listening line run by students for students, anonymous and available in the evening. Examples are the Nightline Heidelberg and the Nightline Dresden. Search for "Nightline" and the name of your city.
- TelefonSeelsorge: available around the clock at 0800 111 0 111. There is also a chat after registering, either by appointment or spontaneously when a slot is free.
When loneliness becomes something more
When you withdraw for weeks, no longer enjoy anything, or can barely get out of bed.
Loneliness and low mood reinforce each other. Maybe you avoid contact even though you long for it. Maybe your mood stays low all the time. If so, have it checked. You can get an initial psychotherapy consultation (psychotherapeutische Sprechstunde) through 116 117 (the national patient service number). How exactly this works is explained in the article Finding a Therapy Slot as a Student: What You Can Do While You Wait.
If you are also looking for someone you can talk to regularly about your situation, psychological counseling at Studifit is one option, by video and, depending on availability, in the evening too. Studifit is psychological counseling, not psychotherapy. It is not covered by health insurance, and we make no diagnoses. If you have a mental illness, please keep looking for a therapist at the same time. You can find our prices on the pricing page.
In an acute crisis
If you feel so alone that you are thinking about suicide, please call right away: TelefonSeelsorge at 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222, and in an emergency 112. You can find more numbers on the page Help in a crisis.
Sources
- Bundesinstitut für Bevölkerungsforschung (2026): Neue Daten zur Aktionswoche gegen Einsamkeit: Jeder fünfte junge Erwachsene fühlt sich stark einsam (New data for the action week against loneliness: one in five young adults feels very lonely) (in German)
- Techniker Krankenkasse (2026): Ein Viertel der Studierenden fühlt sich manchmal einsam (A quarter of students sometimes feel lonely) (in German)
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Probleme während des Studiums: Was jetzt? (Problems during your studies: what now?) (in German)
- TelefonSeelsorge: Chat (in German)
All information in this article was carefully researched, but we cannot guarantee that it is complete or up to date. Services, waiting times and legal rules can change. As of October 2026.
