First-year international students’ experiences of loneliness and social isolation: The role of social support from family, friends, and romantic partners

First-year international students face significant social challenges , including potential reductions in social support and difficulties in forming friendships. A nuanced examination of these social challenges is important because they may contribute to experiences of loneliness and social isolation, and in turn, have a negative impact on mental health and academic performance. While quantitative research has established the prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of international students’ loneliness, a qualitative approach can provide a richer, more in-depth account of their lived experiences. As such, we interviewed 15 first-year international students enrolled at a Canadian university about their loneliness and social isolation, the development and maintenance of their social networks, and the challenges they experienced when adjusting to a new cultural and academic environment. Key themes included the emotional and psychological toll of loneliness, especially during holidays, the benefits of solitude, difficulties in forming new friendships in Canada, the lack of opportunities to interact with classmates outside the classroom setting, as well as support from family, friends, and romantic partners from Canada or their heritage culture. Some participants reported feeling a lack of belonging after attending social events, realizing they did not share the same values as others. Family support (e.g., through video calling) was an important source of social support despite the lack of in-person interactions. These results may help to inform university initiatives for enhancing social support systems and assisting international students’ transition to life in Canada’s evolving sociopolitical landscape.