New meeting place aims to combat student loneliness

Many students feel lonely during their time at university. To create more opportunities for social interaction, the University of Gävle has launched Mötesplatsen – a new forum where students can meet in a relaxed setting.

Studies from sources such as the Public Health Agency of Sweden show that many students feel lonely, both emotionally and physically. The University of Gävle’s student work environment survey also indicates that words like “isolation” and “loneliness” frequently appear in the responses.

“When you start studying, a lot of things are new. Many move to a new city and live on their own for the first time. It can be difficult to find social connections then,” says Lena Smids Magnusson, a social worker and licensed health and medical counselor at Student Health at the University of Gävle. She is the founder of Mötesplatsen and is responsible for the gatherings.

A no-pressure meeting place for students

The purpose of Mötesplatsen is to combat isolation and promote student well-being. The gatherings are designed to offer a simple, recurring setting where students can socialize without any obligations.

“Not everyone wants to or is able to get involved in the student union or a student association. Mötesplatsen is meant to be an alternative where you can just drop by and hang out. Many also miss activities where alcohol isn’t the main focus,” says Lena.

During the gatherings, students gather in the college café. There, refreshments are served, and there’s an opportunity to play board games and ping-pong, among other things. At the same time, the actual interaction between people is the most important part.

“My role is really just to make sure there’s a time and a place. The idea isn’t for me to lead activities; instead, the students create the content themselves.“

A Well-Received Start

When Mötesplatsen was held for the first time, 27 students attended. A survey conducted after the event shows that the initiative was appreciated by the participants.

“The response was very positive. Many thought it was nice to have a place where you can just come as you are, without any expectations.“

Text and photo: Marie Hägg Zetterlund