Navigating isolation and alienation as a Black student

Coming from a diverse cultural background that is not reflected in the predominantly white institutions I am currently surrounded by, the cultural disconnect I felt moving here made it difficult for me to find a sense of belonging. The curriculum, social events, and even the food options available on campus did not resonate with my cultural experiences, and this increased my feelings of isolation.

One of the most significant contributors to feelings of alienation is the lack of representation among faculty, staff, and peers. When students do not see themselves reflected in those around them, it can make the sense of alienation even stronger. This lack of diversity can also mean fewer mentor figures who understand our unique challenges and experiences.

Racism, whether overt or subtle, is a pervasive issue that we face as Black students. Microaggression - everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights or insults—can accumulate and significantly impact our mental health and feelings of inclusion. These experiences can lead to a hostile or unwelcoming environment, further alienating us.

As Black students, we often contend with stereotypes and biases that affect how we are perceived and treated. These stereotypes can lead to unfair treatment and unequal opportunities, impacting our academic performance and self-esteem. For instance, being frequently mistaken for another Black student or being asked to speak on behalf of all Black people in discussions or even on bigger stages, are common experiences that reinforce feelings of alienation and I’m speaking from experience.

Feelings of isolation can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The lack of a supportive community further increases the likelihood of these challenges, making it harder for students to cope.

Alienation can result in disengagement from academic activities. As students, if we do not feel included or valued, our motivation to excel academically can diminish, leading to poorer academic outcomes.

Black students experiencing high levels of isolation are more likely to drop out of university. The inability to integrate and find a supportive network significantly impacts our persistence and success in higher education, especially for students who are miles away from their supportive community, phone calls don't even cut it.

Join or form student groups: Participating in student organisations, particularly those focused on Black and multicultural interests, helped me a lot and provided me with a sense of community and belonging. These groups offered support, friendship, and a space to share common experiences​.

Being actively involved in various campus activities also helped me connect with others and feel more integrated into the university community. This kind of involvement for others can be a step outside the normal which is sometimes needed and can also help break down social barriers and reduce feelings of isolation​.

Get involved in student governance: I cannot over emphasise this enough. Participating in student government helped me a lot as a new student in the UK. You can also be part of diversity committees, both of which can provide a platform to advocate for more inclusive policies and practices on campus. This involvement can also foster a sense of empowerment and community engagement​.

Raise awareness: Working with campus organisations to raise awareness about the challenges Black students face can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Advocacy efforts can lead to tangible changes that benefit the entire student body​, on campus and sometimes beyond.

Self-care practices: Engaging in self-care activities saw me through my toughest times. Activities as simple as taking walks, you don’t have to go as far as rigorous gym routines.dequate rest I’ve discovered, is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. Regular self-care like doing my skincare routines or getting my hair done (African style), helped mitigate the effects of stress and isolation for me.

Access mental health services: Many universities offer counselling services specifically tailored for minority students. Taking advantage of these resources can provide professional support and strategies to cope with feelings of alienation or isolation.

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: I’ve found practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques to stay grounded and present, very helpful. These practices can help reduce anxiety and enhance resilience against feelings of alienation or isolation​.

Cultivating a growth mindset and viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, can help us stay motivated and resilient. Strategies such as positive self-talk, and stress management techniques, were also effective coping strategies that helped me manage emotional responses to isolation.

Online communities and forums: Joining online communities and forums where Black students shared their experiences, offered support, and provided advice, made me know I wasn’t completely alone in having and navigating these feelings of isolation. Virtual connections can supplement in-person interactions and broaden support networks.

Social media for advocacy and support: Using social media platforms to connect with broader movements and advocacy groups focused on Black student experiences can be a powerful tool for finding support and staying informed​, or at least that’s how it made me feel.

Set personal and academic goals: Establishing clear, achievable goals to stay focused and motivated and celebrating milestones helped boost my self-esteem and provided a sense of accomplishment for me, when these feelings started to come up. I tried to regularly reflect on personal achievements and progress, and I journaled a lot! It helped me maintain a positive outlook and reinforce a sense of purpose.

Universities should actively create spaces where Black students feel welcome and included. This can involve establishing cultural centres, support groups, and networks that cater specifically to the needs of Black students. These spaces provide a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for mental well-being. Speaking from experience, some universities have launched a scheme called “welcome buddy”. The essence of this is to pair you with someone who’s almost close to home, to help you ease into life in the university, away from home. It really did help me when I newly arrived in the UK to study.

Increasing the diversity of faculty, staff, and student bodies is essential. Representation matters and seeing people who look like you and understand your experiences can be incredibly validating. Universities should also ensure that their curricula reflect diverse perspectives and histories.

Mental health services and academic support should be culturally competent. This means having counsellors and advisors who are trained to understand and address the unique challenges faced by Black students. It also involves creating awareness about the availability of these resources.

Universities must take a proactive stance against racism and bias. This involves implementing policies and training programs to educate the university community about racism and its impacts. It also requires creating mechanisms for reporting and addressing incidents of racism and discrimination effectively.

Thankfully, most universities in the UK have made visible efforts to tackle this. Although individuality also plays a huge role in tackling racism and bias, we cannot deny that efforts are being made in some way in this regard. That is not to say it is completely eradicated or to invalidate the feelings of individuals who experience racism and bias.