Finding university tougher then I expected

I've been feeling really homesick, unsettled and anxious. Fresher's week was a welcome distraction, having something to do all the time but now it's over, reality has kind of sunk in.

Is any one else feeling the same? Like a weights been dropped onto my shoulders. I'm going to keep cracking on but any advice would be awesome.

Reply 1

shawn_o1

21

if it's about the course that you're stuck on, just ask the specific forum(s).

Reply 2

Nymthae

16

It's pretty natural. This probably is the worst period of it, because as you say the distractions have subsided somewhat, and the work probably isn't engaged or detailing enough right now to properly immerse yourself.

If you're not too far away then do think about taking a weekend trip home. Make a plan for one, in a few weeks, to give you something to look forward to. You can time this over reading week, if you have one, but try put it somewhere about half way during the term. Some of my flat mates went home a lot, and others not at all, so you just need to find what works for you.

There might be some support services in the union that can provide you with some advice, or even just someone who will listen, because they see it every year. My university has a confidential support group that you can phone, or just e-mail, a lot like Samaritans.

Reply 3

She-Ra

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by badluckbrian

I've been feeling really homesick, unsettled and anxious. Fresher's week was a welcome distraction, having something to do all the time but now it's over, reality has kind of sunk in.

Is any one else feeling the same? Like a weights been dropped onto my shoulders. I'm going to keep cracking on but any advice would be awesome.

Hello

Definitely plan some treats in for the week and weekend - maybe a movie night with your new flatmates or a trip to the cinema perhaps? Maybe see if there is a quiz night on at the local pub or union and get a group of your coursemates or housemates together?

Is there anything in particular that you're finding really tough? You mentioned a weight on your shoulders... is this to do with your course?

How often are you catching up with your family or friends from home? Are you calling them regularly?

Keep cracking on as you say, how you're feeling is natural and it won't be long until you start to feel more settled :smile:

Reply 4

badluckbrian

OP

Original post by She-Ra

Hello

Definitely plan some treats in for the week and weekend - maybe a movie night with your new flatmates or a trip to the cinema perhaps? Maybe see if there is a quiz night on at the local pub or union and get a group of your coursemates or housemates together?

Is there anything in particular that you're finding really tough? You mentioned a weight on your shoulders... is this to do with your course?

How often are you catching up with your family or friends from home? Are you calling them regularly?

Keep cracking on as you say, how you're feeling is natural and it won't be long until you start to feel more settled :smile:

Wow, all great responses, thanks!

It's a combination of being away from home and the prospect of overlapping deadlines and work loads. I know it's going to be hard work but didn't realise how far out of my comfort zone I'd feel.

I've planned some weekends home so that's good. Breaking up my time should help. There's loads of help guides on the web that i've been checking out. This uni survival guide was funny vouchercodespro.co.uk/blog/university-survival-guide

I feel better knowing everything i'm feeling is pretty normal and i'm not the only one!

Brian

Reply 5

nohomo

5

Then you expected what?

Reply 6

EllieC130

15

As someone who has only just realised what some of her modules entail, I'm with ya buddy.

Reply 7

holmes221

18

Original post by badluckbrian

I've been feeling really homesick, unsettled and anxious. Fresher's week was a welcome distraction, having something to do all the time but now it's over, reality has kind of sunk in.

Is any one else feeling the same? Like a weights been dropped onto my shoulders. I'm going to keep cracking on but any advice would be awesome.

You're just out of your comfort zone. These feeling soon go once you settle in.

Reply 8

cole-slaw

5

Original post by badluckbrian

I've been feeling really homesick, unsettled and anxious. Fresher's week was a welcome distraction, having something to do all the time but now it's over, reality has kind of sunk in.

Is any one else feeling the same? Like a weights been dropped onto my shoulders. I'm going to keep cracking on but any advice would be awesome.

I think most students experience a little lull in the weeks after fresher's week. All the excitement of meeting new flatmates and getting pissed is over, and now you've got a little downtime - including quiet evenings in - that gives you a chance to suddenly notice how scared and lonely you are and how much you miss your parents.

EVERYONE feels like this at some point. I felt like it in my first year.

But really, this is the most exciting time. This is when the real student life begins, when you begin to figure out what kind of student you're going to be, what kind of person you're going to be.

My key advice would be to keep as busy as possible, and try to get some kind of schedule in place that gives you a healthy mix of time for study, time for societies, and time for socialising. Really throw yourself into your work and your activities, because the habits you form now will stay with your for years to come, so make them good ones!

There is also nothing to be afraid of in talking to people. Tell your parents you miss them. Tell your housemates you're feeling a bit homesick; chances are they are too.

I wouldn't go home just yet though: its best you force yourself to get through it and out the otherside, to keep busy with activities at uni until you start to look forward to them, and then returning to university will be easier.

Reply 9

ummm

16

I felt like this in my first year. After the distraction of freshers week, you have more time to yourself and to think and worry about stuff because everything isn't as busy and mad. For a while I worried a lot because I hadn't found a group of friends to slot into, I was worried about keeping up with the workload and actually having to do work, missed home and struggled to get into a routine. But it definitely gets better. This is still a transition period. I remember feeling scared that everyone else figured everything out in freshers week, but that's really not the case. Just do the best you can do keep up and balance your time between work, social stuff and any clubs and other commitments. You'll be fine. I think most people feel this way at some point. You'll find things all come together in their own time. :smile:

Reply 10

gr8wizard10

21

OP, I'm in the same boat. The intensity of my course and the speed at which we are expected to comprehend concepts is incredibly overwhelming.

Reply 11

WILLMUSIC88

4

Is anyone here wondering if uni is actually for them? Like I've been here 3 weeks and am having doubts. My course is actually pretty ****e to.

Reply 12

lozasaurus99

14

Original post by badluckbrian

I've been feeling really homesick, unsettled and anxious. Fresher's week was a welcome distraction, having something to do all the time but now it's over, reality has kind of sunk in.

Is any one else feeling the same? Like a weights been dropped onto my shoulders. I'm going to keep cracking on but any advice would be awesome.