University life has always represented a period of discovery, maturation and identity construction. But in recent decades, increased competitiveness, the volume of tasks and the pressure to perform have made this journey more difficult. According to WHO data, around 35% of university students experience symptoms of anxiety or stress related to university life, a warning that extends far beyond the classroom.
The physical space in which the student lives and learns is now considered a fundamental element of this balance. Environments that promote well-being, social connection and contact with nature can act as a real antidote to the effects of daily stress.
The presence of green spaces in urban centers is no longer just an aesthetic issue: it has become a public health necessity. Several international studies prove the restorative effect of contact with nature on the body and mind. Recent research, such as that published in 2024 by BMC Public Health, indicates that students who regularly visit green spaces have lower anxiety levels, a greater ability to concentrate and a greater sense of belonging.
This direct relationship between environment and well-being has led universities, town planners and even housing estates to rethink their projects. Tree-lined courtyards, integrated gardens and shared squares began to be seen as extensions of learning, capable of providing mental breaks, stimulating creativity and promoting human interaction, aspects often overlooked in the hectic pace of big cities.
But green alone is not enough. For students to achieve emotional balance, coexistence is also necessary. Living together in collective spaces, whether university campuses, public squares, open libraries or common areas of residences, creates opportunities for exchanges, connections and mutual aid.
Environments that foster relationships not only combat isolation, but strengthen a sense of belonging, one of the most determining factors for young people’s mental health.
And this movement is also strengthening outside universities. In large centers, there is a growing appreciation for shared spaces that bring residents together, such as urban parks, neighborhood squares and living spaces in new housing formats.
Contemporary models of collective housing, such as colivings, are emerging in this context as a natural reflection of the search for more human and balanced experiences. By integrating green spaces, common environments and coexistence initiatives, these structures offer a type of comfort that goes beyond the physical: that of being in community.
The challenge is to expand this perspective beyond the walls of universities, creating cities and housing that actively contribute to the emotional health of their inhabitants. Because, ultimately, studying, living and living well are dimensions that go hand in hand.
The editor, Michael França, asks each participant of the Politics and Justice space of Folha de S. Paulo to propose a song to the readers. In this text, the one chosen by Ewerton Camarano it was “Passiflora”, by Raël, Céu and RDD.
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