How Living Alone Can Impact Your Mental Health

“Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted are the most terrible poverty.” — Mother Teresa. Even in today’s hyper-connected world, loneliness still finds its way into our hearts. For international students trying to adapt to a new culture, manage academic expectations, and settle into unfamiliar surroundings, this isolation can feel overwhelming. Living alone may seem peaceful at first, but over time it can quietly impact your mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.

Have you ever wondered why staying alone abroad sometimes feels heavier than expected? How does the lack of companionship influence your mood, productivity, and overall happiness? And more importantly, what can you do to improve your mental health while studying far from home?

At Platuni, we understand how powerful connection and shared living can be in nurturing mental well-being. That’s why our platform is designed to help international students find compatible roommates, create supportive communities, and enjoy a balanced co-living experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the real ways living alone can impact your mental health, and share practical steps to help you stay emotionally strong and socially connected while pursuing your dreams abroad.

Also Read: Top Resources for International Students | Support System Meaning

The Impact of Loneliness on International Students

Loneliness isn’t just emotional discomfort. It is a growing mental health concern. As Robin Williams once said, “The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone.” For international students, even being in a crowded classroom or dorm can still feel isolating.

According to a report by the CDC, chronic loneliness has been linked to a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and even heart disease. When you’re away from family, especially in unfamiliar student housing, it's important to recognise the signs early and take action before they escalate.

Signs That Living Alone Is Affecting Your Mental Health

Living alone as an international student can be peaceful at first, but over time, small emotional changes can signal that your mental health is being affected. Recognizing these signs early can help you take steps to improve your mental health and seek the right support.

Here are some common signs to watch out for:

• Persistent loneliness or sadness: You often feel empty, disconnected, or emotionally drained even after a normal day.
• Loss of motivation: Tasks like studying, cleaning, or cooking suddenly feel overwhelming or meaningless.
• Sleep problems: You find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, or you sleep too much as a way to escape loneliness.
• Changes in appetite: You start skipping meals, overeating, or losing interest in food altogether.
• Anxiety and overthinking: You constantly worry about your future, relationships, or academic performance.
• Avoiding social contact: You no longer feel like meeting new people or joining social activities, preferring to stay isolated.
• Difficulty concentrating: You struggle to focus in class, complete assignments, or remember simple things.
• Negative self-talk: You catch yourself thinking you’re not good enough or that no one cares.
• Physical exhaustion: Your body feels tired even when you’ve done very little, often a hidden sign of emotional stress.
• Loss of interest in hobbies: Activities you once enjoyed no longer bring you joy or comfort.

If you notice several of these signs, it could mean that living alone is beginning to impact your mental health. You don’t have to face it alone, platforms like Platuni help students connect with friendly, compatible roommates and build meaningful relationships that make shared living both supportive and enjoyable.

Also Read: How To Maximise Productivity While Travelling For Business

How Social Media Both Helps and Hurts

Apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok offer ways to stay in touch, but they also promote comparison and surface-level interactions. Constantly seeing others’ curated lives can leave you feeling left out or inadequate.

Selena Gomez once said, “Social media has been terrible for my generation.” Her words resonate with many students, especially when connection online feels hollow.

That said, platforms like Discord or study group chats can offer real value if used intentionally. They can foster digital communities that feel personal and provide peer support, especially for students living in shared housing or managing solo life.

Building Genuine Connections

Fighting loneliness means building real relationships. It’s tempting to get caught in routines or spend all your free time scrolling, but making an effort to connect, even through small conversations in your co-living space, can shift your emotional state.

Join campus groups, go to events, or start a casual hobby club. Oprah Winfrey once said, “The most important adventure of our lives is the quest to understand how we can love and be loved.” That journey often starts with shared experiences, mutual respect, and listening.

If you’re in a roommate setting or looking for one, a platform like Platuni.com makes it easier to find people with shared values, helping you build those authentic bonds.

Embracing Solitude Without Feeling Lonely

Solitude, when chosen, can be restorative. Activities like journaling, walking, or meditating allow you to reconnect with yourself and feel at peace, even without constant social interaction.

As singer Billie Eilish said, “I like being alone.” Her mindset is a reminder that spending time alone doesn’t mean being lonely. It can be a powerful tool for self-awareness.

If you're living in shared housing, it's still important to create personal routines that give you space for rest and reflection.

Also Read: Dealing with Loneliness as an International Student

Practical Tips for Staying Connected

To protect your emotional well-being and stay grounded, try these actionable steps:

Prioritise real-life interactions: Go for coffee with a classmate or hang out with a roommate. Small connections go a long way.

Join a community: Whether it’s a student club or online forum, shared interests bring people together.

Limit passive scrolling: Be mindful of your screen time. Use platforms like BeReal or Discord groups that encourage authenticity over perfection.

Reach out: Don’t wait for a crisis to talk to someone. Use university counselling, talk to an advisor, or join a peer group.

Stay active: Exercise boosts your mood and increases your chances of meeting new people in relaxed, social settings.

Seeking Professional Help When Needed

Sometimes, self-care and social interaction aren’t enough. If loneliness continues, it may be time to speak with a professional. Most universities offer mental health services, often at no cost.

J.K. Rowling, who has openly shared her struggles with depression, once advised a fan to ask for help. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness. It’s a powerful first step toward healing. If you’re unsure of where to start, ask your university’s student affairs office or health centre for resources, or try Togetherall, a free mental health support community available to students at many institutions.

Conclusion

Loneliness is real, but it doesn't have to be your story. With supportive housing, genuine friendships, time for reflection, and the right resources, you can create a healthy, balanced life abroad.

Whether you're living alone or in a roommate setup, Platuni.com helps you connect with like-minded people, find supportive housing, and build a college experience rooted in connection rather than isolation.

Create an account or download the app today to meet your future roommates and find your community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does loneliness impact mental health for international students?

Loneliness can trigger stress, anxiety, and even depression. According to the CDC, chronic isolation increases the risk of mental and physical health issues. For students abroad, building a supportive community is essential to protect mental well-being.

What are some practical ways to improve your mental health while studying abroad?

Simple habits like exercising, journaling, attending social events, and joining student clubs can boost your mood. Creating connections with roommates or classmates also reduces feelings of isolation.

Can social media help reduce loneliness, or does it make things worse

Social media can help you stay connected with friends back home, but overuse often leads to comparison and feelings of inadequacy. Using it intentionally, such as joining study groups or authentic platforms, helps balance connection and self-care.

Is it normal to feel lonely even when surrounded by people?

Yes, loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone. It’s about the quality of your connections. Even in a busy dorm, you may feel isolated if you lack genuine relationships.

How can I find supportive housing that helps me avoid loneliness?

Choosing the right living environment matters. Platforms like Platuni connect students with like-minded roommates, making it easier to form genuine friendships and create a support system that positively impacts mental health.