Over 70% of college students want more on-campus learning, according to the Irish Universities Association.
Most classroom activity has been done online recently, due to Covid-19.
The IUA, which is appearing before the Oireachtas education committee today, says this has taken a 'heavy toll' on students' mental health.
It's calling for more on-campus learning to be allowed in the new year.
"Apart from the college experience itself, the whole social experience of college itself has been wiped out," according to Jim Miley, who is Director-General of the Irish Universities Association.
"Our universities have put additional supports in place for students in terms of counselling, mental health supports, and so on. It is very difficult to even connect with students because of the remote context at the moment."
