Problem
Students struggle to be alone within university's highly social environment. Being alone goes against the status quo of university life.
Insight
Spending time alone healthily can improve our mental wellbeing, by boosting self-confidence, self-esteem and self-awareness. This improves relationships with others, helping to overcome loneliness which is impacting 46% of university students and resulting in 1/3 of students dropping out.
(Loneliness contributes and coincides with other mental health problems.)
Strategy
By destigmatising spending time alone at university making it a socially accepted choice. (to improve student's mental health to prevent loneliness.)
Solution
A university campaign intervention that works alongside Student Unions to support Freshers and existing students in embracing solitary moments during university life.
ADDRESS THE SHAME
The campaign starts with print invading social spaces around campuses to challenge university social norms and pressure.
Stickers provide an opportunity to start the conversation as they highlight the choice students have in spending time alone on campus.
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Empower the change
The Reclaim You magazine is a self-teaching tool that uses CBT to support students in beginning to occupy, prioritise and enjoy their time spent alone. It will be accessible next to OOH print, online via SU websites and supplied in all university-owned accommodation for Fresher’s Week.
Content:
Definition of healthy alone time
CBT-led GO ROGUE Guidance
Solo activity scratch journal
University vouchers for activities done ROGUE.
Distract Thinking
The campaign's public-facing site is made up of:
- support and guidance for solitary life,
- advice and preparation for upcoming students,
- and, GO ROGUE'S university ranking tables.
The ranking tables put public pressure on universities to improve loneliness and solitary happiness. Meanwhile, it raises awareness for prospective students to consider this aspect of university life. Rankings cover the best and worst universities for loneliness, and social mobility.
Meanwhile, GO ROGUE student portals provide university specific information, including direct access to support services.
Reclaim small moments spent alone,
Often an uncomfortable place to go.
The hardest lesson, but greatest reward
To choose yourself on your own accord.
Reclaim You. Go Rogue.