Feelings of marginality can occur when individuals take on new roles, especially when they are uncertain about what the new role entails. Marginality is a sense of not fitting in that can lead to self-consciousness, irritability and depression.

When students are marginalized they wonder if they matter to anyone. It is important to help them realize that this feeling, like all feelings, can be temporary or more long-lasting. Being exposed to a whole new society and culture or peer group can induce feelings of marginality so it’s common for students.

Marginalization can happen to international students, or for students without sufficient peer or family support. Their negative feelings might be multiplied. Student services practitioners should therefore take additional care to create safe spaces and opportunities to find support that can increase students’ feelings of appreciation.