Student advocates at the University of Alberta are taking action to combat what has been dubbed the loneliness epidemic. The “It Starts With Hello” campaign seeks to promote social engagement and foster meaningful connection among students. As part of the project, several new seating areas have been installed across UAlberta’s campus in south Edmonton; the areas are accompanied by posters that include conversation prompts, games, and other resources. “Creating these spaces for students to organically interact, it’s truly so, so vital in developing that connection,” said UAlberta first-year student Nathanael Ip, who is also VP of Outreach for the Friends Across Campus Club. “Because that is, a lot of the times, the biggest barrier. It’s just the hello.”