What does it really mean to belong?
Belonging is a basic human need. Belonging is more than just being part of a group—it’s about finding places where you feel comfortable expressing yourself and being accepted, understood, and appreciated for all your identities. It’s also a significant countermeasure to loneliness, an issue that has reached epidemic levels in the United States.
Loneliness is particularly prevalent on college campuses., The National College Health Assessment data for Fall 2024 showed that 48.2% of all surveyed college students had a positive screening for loneliness.
Looking at data for JHU respondents to the same survey, 51.6% of our undergrads and 43.9% of our graduate students screened positive for loneliness in response to the UCLA Loneliness Scale questionnaire, a three-question survey that asks respondents about companionship, feeling left out, and isolation.
Responses are assigned numeric scores that range from 3 to 9. Negative screening for loneliness, meaning the absence of loneliness, is 3 to 5 ; positive screening for loneliness is 6 to 9. The chart demonstrates that Hopkins graduate students are slightly less lonely (-.7) than other graduate students who took the same survey in the Fall 2024, whereas Hopkins undergraduates are slightly lonelier (+2.3%) than undergraduates who took the survey during the same time period.
A sense of belonging positively influences several aspects of well-being. Here are some examples of how that dynamic can work:
Belonging isn’t about changing yourself to fit in. It’s about staying true to who you are while finding meaningful ways to connect with others. If you want to feel more connected at JHU, start with one small action. Here are some ideas:
Take time for yourself and connecting with others: Amid the busyness of life, it’s easy to forget the importance of self-care and supporting relationships. Take time to explore and reflect on your values and your well-being needs. Think about what belonging and connection mean to you. Check in with friends, and take part in well-being programs. These connections can offer valuable support, not just during your time at Hopkins, but long after graduation.
It’s normal to “not know” things, and the university encourages students to lead with curiosity as they seek to find their place at Hopkins and in the world. Engaging in new adventures helps one to grow, learn about themselves, and build confidence to expand their perspectives. If you ever feel isolated or disconnected, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to friends, mentors, or campus resources. Sometimes, simply talking about how you’re feeling can make a significant difference.
In summary, your connection at Hopkins is a two-way street; we strive to provide opportunities for you to belong, and you need to actively participate in building community.
So, make time to explore, connect, and create meaningful relationships. Nurturing a sense of belonging will help you succeed academically and personally during your time at Hopkins and beyond.
If your sense of belonging is impeded by people who are being actively unwelcoming, there are resources available. If you experience any kind of discrimination or harassment, please contact Office of Institutional Equity.
Many thanks to Assistant Vice Provost for Student Belonging and Community Dr. Joya Crear, Ph.D., who reviewed and contributed to this article.