Abstract
This article examines experiences of loneliness among university students in a university town in the framework of the life course perspective. In the analysis, the previous life course of 27 university students is considered along with the life course phase of university studies in a city where new social relationships are formed. The research data used in the article were collected in coordination with the Student Life concept model of the University of Jyväskylä. In the interviews, the university students described their experiences of loneliness in the new university town. The results show that the students’ experiences of loneliness are closely connected to the life course phase of university studies and to the students’ previous life course. Experiences of loneliness are connected to the individual as well as to context-related factors concerning the university town. Hence, in order to decrease loneliness, attention should be paid to the grouping of university students and the creation of social opportunities in the university community, as well as in collaboration with other actors in the university town.
| Translated title of the contribution | Alone in a university town: The life course perspective on experiences of loneliness among university students |
|---|---|
| Original language | Finnish |
| Pages (from-to) | 38-56 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | NUORISOTUTKIMUS |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |