Georgia Tech's VP for Student Engagement sent out a newsletter that honestly hit me kind of hard. She referenced the American Psychological Association's Stress in America 2025 report, which found that we're all experiencing a deep "crisis of connection".
The report says it's driven by "societal division, persistent stress, and widespread feelings of loneliness and isolation" . And they found that "social connection can help alleviate stress, foster resilience, and reduce anxiety".
The VP says: "Sometimes, just simply hanging out with friends – new or known - who remind you that you are not navigating things alone can be a way to promote social wellness".
But here's my problem — I'm a transfer student and I DON'T HAVE FRIENDS YET. I eat alone, study alone, go home alone. The newsletter mentions there are spaces to "find community" but doesn't actually list them.
There's also a section on Basic Needs Support Services that mentions STAR, the Hip Pocket Fund, and Green Forks . That's helpful, but what about basic social needs?
The newsletter also talks about The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) which helps the school understand "how you spend your time as a student and how effectively Georgia Tech fosters your learning, development, and sense of belonging".
For current students: do you feel connected here? How did you find your people? I'm tired of being lonely.
The report says it's driven by "societal division, persistent stress, and widespread feelings of loneliness and isolation" . And they found that "social connection can help alleviate stress, foster resilience, and reduce anxiety".
The VP says: "Sometimes, just simply hanging out with friends – new or known - who remind you that you are not navigating things alone can be a way to promote social wellness".
But here's my problem — I'm a transfer student and I DON'T HAVE FRIENDS YET. I eat alone, study alone, go home alone. The newsletter mentions there are spaces to "find community" but doesn't actually list them.
There's also a section on Basic Needs Support Services that mentions STAR, the Hip Pocket Fund, and Green Forks . That's helpful, but what about basic social needs?
The newsletter also talks about The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) which helps the school understand "how you spend your time as a student and how effectively Georgia Tech fosters your learning, development, and sense of belonging".
For current students: do you feel connected here? How did you find your people? I'm tired of being lonely.
