We know moving out of your family home, living in a new city and starting university are big life changes. It’s completely natural to feel any sort of anxiety around this time, and it’s important to remember that everyone is in the same boat – and even the most confident people you meet are probably feeling a bit nervous inside too! You’re not alone, and there are lots of ways to manage anxiety at university…
Get plenty of sleep
This one isn’t always easy – with all the freshers week events, being in an unfamiliar surrounding and the early starts you might have as part of your course, it can seem impossible to get a good night’s sleep. But getting your 8 hours is really important, as it gives your mind and body chance to relax. There are also some really science-y reasons why you should get plenty of sleep, too, like the way it restores your brain’s prefrontal mechanism which regulates your emotions… Put it this way, getting your beauty sleep will definitely help curb your anxiety at university!
Stay in touch
Your family and friends back home are, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, never more than a message away. Make arrangements to call or FaceTime regularly, and plan a visit home to look forward to. Keep up with the group chat, and don’t feel that just because you’re not physically there that nobody cares – because they really do!
Reach out to somebody
If you’re really struggling with anxiety at university, be sure to reach out to somebody. Where it’s strictly course-related, speak to your tutor or somebody else from the department; if it’s a mixed bag of things, get in touch with your University Student Support Services. They have all the tools to help you, and they won’t judge you for feeling the way you do – which, let us remind you, is completely normal. Let your flatmates know how you’re feeling too, as they won’t want to see you struggle. Some may even be feeling the same way, and you’ll be able to work through your feelings together.
Remind yourself why you’re here
When things get tough and anxiety takes over, take a step back to be proud of how far you’ve come. Getting into university isn’t easy, especially with the past few years being so disruptive to education. You’ve done an amazing job getting the grades you needed for your course, and you’re doing it to ensure you have a bright future ahead of you. Which you do!
Managing anxiety at university doesn’t have to be difficult; it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed with all the changes in your life, but there is plenty of support available if you seek it out. Deep breaths! Look after yourself, and try to enjoy all the fun and exciting new experiences coming your way as you embark on your university journey… These have the potential to be some of the best days of your life. You deserve to make the most of it.
