Umii — Combating student loneliness through peer connections
A mobile app helping universities and student unions combat student isolation. The platform matches students daily based on shared interests and courses, in a safe, verified environment. Adopted by Hull, Kent, Lincoln, Essex, and UCLan, Umii has helped 62% of users feel less lonely and 60% make new friends.
The problem
Student loneliness is a growing crisis affecting retention, engagement, and mental health. Traditional social platforms like WhatsApp groups and Facebook are plagued with scammers and lack safeguarding, while less outgoing students struggle to make connections organically — particularly during disrupted periods like COVID or the transition to university life.
The solution
Umii provides a safe, university-verified space where students receive 3–5 daily matches based on their interests, course, and societies. The app includes icebreaker prompts to ease introductions, ambassador profiles for staff support, and integrated mental health resources. Universities gain monthly insights on student engagement while applicants can connect before they even arrive on campus.
What was built
- Daily smart matching based on interests, courses and societies
- University email verification for a safe, scammer-free environment
- Icebreaker questions to help students start conversations
- Integrated mental health and wellbeing resources
- Applicant access to build community before arrival
- University ambassador profiles for staff support
- Monthly usage insights and analytics for institutions