Reference: Stubblebine AM, Gopalan M, Brady ST (2024) Who feels like they belong? Personality and belonging in college. PLoS ONE 19(1): e0295436. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295436 How does a student’s personality relate to their initial sense of belonging in college? Psychologists assessed 4700 first-year students from North American universities investigating, “How do students’ personalities relate to their sense of belonging in their first year?” Would those with extraversion, a personality trait associated with positive emotions like being more social and talkative, be positively associated with feeling a sense of belonging? Would those with Neuroticism, associated with negative emotions (anxiety, anger, or loneliness), not feel belonging? Results? During the summer before college, (especially at larger schools) more extroverted students (having positive emotions and liking being more social and talkative) felt a greater sense of belonging at the end of their first year, where those with Neuroticism did not. Colleges! Offer activities where students’ different personalities feel comfortable meeting other students and getting involved to feel a sense of belonging so they can focus on becoming successful students. Students! reach out to others, be open and welcoming. Explore the many clubs and activities to join and work with others to find your place of belonging.

Written by Kristin Harris, B.S.