"I didn't experience it as studying together" – a qualitative investigation of university students' lived experiences of loneliness

Loneliness is an experience that is interrelated with interpersonal and societal factors – potentially stemming from and influencing them. Many students experience loneliness, which can undermine their well-being and academic development. This study aimed to explore how university students describe and experience loneliness within the context of higher education. Using a phenomenological design, this study explored the lived experience of lonely students in Germany through 17 qualitative semi-structured interviews, analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Loneliness at university was experienced as an absence of everyday companionship and connection with peers, rather than as lacking emotional intimacy. This was primarily related to shared study activities and everyday situations, such as shared mealtimes or group work. Students sought meaningful relationships, though these did not necessarily need to be with fellow students. Social connections were challenged by differing life contexts and institutional barriers. Universities were perceived as prioritising performance over belonging, with few opportunities for connection and little awareness of loneliness. High expectations, shaped by societal narratives and challenges of transition, intensified these experiences, while stigma and shame hindered students from seeking help. This study highlights the need for universities to recognise loneliness as a key element of student well-being and to move beyond one-size-fits-all interventions. Loneliness among students is not a personal issue, it is influenced by relational, university-related, and societal factors.