Connection at College: Friendships, Relationships, and Belonging Whilst Studying

How are US students forming connections at college? We quizzed almost 2,700 US students to find out.

University is often seen as a fresh start. A chance to meet new people, try new things, and build connections that can last a lifetime. For many students, it’s an exciting new chapter, filled with opportunities to find where they belong. 

Drawing on responses from 2,694 Yugo students across the US, our latest research explores what connection, friendship, and belonging actually look like for college students in 2026… 

Key statistics

The quest for connection

For most students, friendship sits at the centre of the university experience. In fact, nearly half (46%) say it matters more than their degree — and most students are optimistic about their college quest for connection.

81% believe they’ll find lifelong friends during their time studying, and 41% think they’ll find a lifelong romantic partner — showing just how important those connections are to the overall college experience.

But, connection isn’t just about meeting others – for students, it’s also tied closely to self-discovery. More than half (56%) of current students say college has helped them understand who they are. From trying new activities to meeting different types of people, university creates space for personal growth alongside academic study.

Loneliness is more common than you might think 

If you’ve ever felt lonely, it’s important to know you’re not alone. Loneliness isn’t always visible, but it’s something most students experience at some point. Two thirds (67%) say they feel lonely at least occasionally, suggesting it’s a normal part of adjusting to a new environment. 

Building new friendships isn’t always straightforward. While expectations are high, fewer than half (49%) of students say it’s ‘easy’ to actually form those bonds. And with 15% actively struggling to make friends, it’s clear that social confidence doesn’t come naturally to everyone. 

Where students feel they belong

Ready to make connections for life (but not sure where to start)? Not all environments are created equal when it comes to connection.  

Students report the strongest sense of belonging in more structured settings, like their course (47%), organised societies (50%), and their accommodation (31%). These spaces offer a shared purpose, making it easier to meet people and build relationships naturally – meaning they’re a great place to start if you’re looking to make new friends. 

In fact, over half of students say regular social events would help reduce feelings of loneliness — and luckily, our accommodation spaces are built for connection. With communal areas, social spaces, regular events, and shared amenities — living with other students offers a great opportunity to make new friends from move-in day. 

How to deal with loneliness at college

Firstly, it’s important to know that feeling unsure, out of place, or disconnected can all be part of the settling in process. Alongside joining societies and going to events, many students also rely on more personal ways to stay grounded.

Wellness tools and mechanisms are important for students, especially in those first few months of a new routine. When asked which wellness tools students use to cope with loneliness or support their mental health whilst at college, 63% claimed regular exercise was their most important outlet. 31% like to journal their feelings, 28% practice meditation, and 24% opt for therapy sessions.

University: more than just a degree

This research highlights something students already know: college is about far more than lectures and deadlines. Moments of loneliness, uncertainty, and figuring things out are all part of the experience. But so are the friendships, shared experiences, and small everyday interactions that gradually turn a new place into somewhere that feels like home. 

Because when you look back on your time at college, most people won’t remember the seminars and textbooks - they’ll reminisce about the people they met, the things they experienced, and the sense of belonging they built along the way. 

Ready to discover more about life at college? Check out The Student Spill – the ultimate location to learn everything you need to know about student living.