The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupts the way post-secondary students socialize on campus which, in turn, has deeply affected how students form and maintain relationships. Why is this important? Research suggests that having a social group and meaningful connections on campus with your fellow students, staff, and faculty is hugely important for a variety of reasons, including improving your mental health (Smith et al., 2022).
Even today, many classes remain virtual, making it harder for some students to connect and build relationships due to fewer chances to meet and spend time in person (Ewing et al., 2022). These changes have affected students’ sense of belonging, which plays a key role in mental wellbeing, academic success, and the likelihood of seeking support when needed (Penner et al., 2021; Smith et al., 2022). This is especially important for students from minority and culturally diverse backgrounds, who may already face additional barriers to connection and inclusion (Penner et al., 2021).
