Fear of going to Uni?
posting anon hope that's okay . . .
As a parent it was lovely to see my eldest making thoughtful informed choices about their future. Gathering information, going on visits, choosing unis and courses. They were so enthused. They got achievable offers for excellent courses at great unis and firmed on the first day they could
But as their A levels approach (and prep seems to be going just fine) there is a growing fear. Its not clear if this is about leaving home, making new friends, maybe it even dates back to Covid and their limited opportunities to be sociable in their formative years.
But this fear definitely centres around going to Uni - last night they asked if it was okay to decline their firm and insurance choices and forget the whole thing
To an extent this is possibly normal but I really don't know how to support. I wonder what others' have found?
As a parent it was lovely to see my eldest making thoughtful informed choices about their future. Gathering information, going on visits, choosing unis and courses. They were so enthused. They got achievable offers for excellent courses at great unis and firmed on the first day they could
But as their A levels approach (and prep seems to be going just fine) there is a growing fear. Its not clear if this is about leaving home, making new friends, maybe it even dates back to Covid and their limited opportunities to be sociable in their formative years.
But this fear definitely centres around going to Uni - last night they asked if it was okay to decline their firm and insurance choices and forget the whole thing
To an extent this is possibly normal but I really don't know how to support. I wonder what others' have found?
Uni student here, just about to finish their first year, so I can't be much help from a parenting standpoint but I do understand the fear about going to uni, especially as someone forced to distance learn because of Covid for their A-Levels so was lacking a bit in the socialising department.
First thing I'd say is to talk to them and try and gauge why they want to decline their offers -- are they not happy with the choices they have, do they want to change course, are they scared about getting into/starting uni or have they decided it just isn't for them? It might be they don't know themselves and are just a bit overwhelmed by it all, or there might be a specific reason behind it, and identifying that early is really important, especially since I know choice deadlines will be coming up. Maybe ask what changed since they seemed enthusiastic about it before.
In terms of addressing the potential fear of making friends, try to reassure them that it's not the end of the world if it takes a few weeks, and that you'll always be on the end of a phone call or a car/train/bus journey away if they get lonely. Maybe also let them know that there'll be lots of opportunities to meet people even before their course starts - I believe most universities have a freshers week, which is basically a full week of events both for students in general and course-specific ones. Even if they aren't the partying type - I have never been on a night out, not really my scene and certain circumstances prevent it - there are socials during the day, and fresher's fair can introduce them to societies they might be interested in joining, which are a good place to make friends with similar interests. For instance, half the people I know are from the rock and metal society I'm a part of. If they're in student accommodation, flatmates are also an excellent place to start talking to people - even just introductions as you're all moving in, setting up a flat group chat, maybe even organising a night to have a meal and get to know each other. I can't promise all flatmates are great, but you're bound to get at least someone you can chat to. There are so many opportunities, even before they have any lectures.
For me, I couldn't wait to move away from home, even temporarily, but that's mainly due to the environment I've grown up in. It's perfectly normal to be nervous about moving away, especially when there are so many responsibilities to take on. If they're worried about it, maybe sit down with them and make a plan of what they need to do before they leave, and what kind of things would need to be organised to help them settle in, e.g. work out where the supermarkets are, maybe teach them how to cook some basic meals and do meal prep and budgeting if that's something they need help with, just to try and make the process seem less stressful.
Whatever the case is, the best thing to do is to stay calm and listen to what they're saying. Make sure they've weighed up all their options before they make any decisions and know the pros and cons of each one, but don't force them into anything they're not comfortable with. That's not to say you can't offer advice - if anything, if they're feeling a bit lost at the minute, I'm sure they'll appreciate it.
This ended up being a bit longer than I intended, but I hope it helps and everything gets resolved
First thing I'd say is to talk to them and try and gauge why they want to decline their offers -- are they not happy with the choices they have, do they want to change course, are they scared about getting into/starting uni or have they decided it just isn't for them? It might be they don't know themselves and are just a bit overwhelmed by it all, or there might be a specific reason behind it, and identifying that early is really important, especially since I know choice deadlines will be coming up. Maybe ask what changed since they seemed enthusiastic about it before.
In terms of addressing the potential fear of making friends, try to reassure them that it's not the end of the world if it takes a few weeks, and that you'll always be on the end of a phone call or a car/train/bus journey away if they get lonely. Maybe also let them know that there'll be lots of opportunities to meet people even before their course starts - I believe most universities have a freshers week, which is basically a full week of events both for students in general and course-specific ones. Even if they aren't the partying type - I have never been on a night out, not really my scene and certain circumstances prevent it - there are socials during the day, and fresher's fair can introduce them to societies they might be interested in joining, which are a good place to make friends with similar interests. For instance, half the people I know are from the rock and metal society I'm a part of. If they're in student accommodation, flatmates are also an excellent place to start talking to people - even just introductions as you're all moving in, setting up a flat group chat, maybe even organising a night to have a meal and get to know each other. I can't promise all flatmates are great, but you're bound to get at least someone you can chat to. There are so many opportunities, even before they have any lectures.
For me, I couldn't wait to move away from home, even temporarily, but that's mainly due to the environment I've grown up in. It's perfectly normal to be nervous about moving away, especially when there are so many responsibilities to take on. If they're worried about it, maybe sit down with them and make a plan of what they need to do before they leave, and what kind of things would need to be organised to help them settle in, e.g. work out where the supermarkets are, maybe teach them how to cook some basic meals and do meal prep and budgeting if that's something they need help with, just to try and make the process seem less stressful.
Whatever the case is, the best thing to do is to stay calm and listen to what they're saying. Make sure they've weighed up all their options before they make any decisions and know the pros and cons of each one, but don't force them into anything they're not comfortable with. That's not to say you can't offer advice - if anything, if they're feeling a bit lost at the minute, I'm sure they'll appreciate it.
This ended up being a bit longer than I intended, but I hope it helps and everything gets resolved
Original post by Anonymous
posting anon hope that's okay . . .
As a parent it was lovely to see my eldest making thoughtful informed choices about their future. Gathering information, going on visits, choosing unis and courses. They were so enthused. They got achievable offers for excellent courses at great unis and firmed on the first day they could
But as their A levels approach (and prep seems to be going just fine) there is a growing fear. Its not clear if this is about leaving home, making new friends, maybe it even dates back to Covid and their limited opportunities to be sociable in their formative years.
But this fear definitely centres around going to Uni - last night they asked if it was okay to decline their firm and insurance choices and forget the whole thing
To an extent this is possibly normal but I really don't know how to support. I wonder what others' have found?
As a parent it was lovely to see my eldest making thoughtful informed choices about their future. Gathering information, going on visits, choosing unis and courses. They were so enthused. They got achievable offers for excellent courses at great unis and firmed on the first day they could
But as their A levels approach (and prep seems to be going just fine) there is a growing fear. Its not clear if this is about leaving home, making new friends, maybe it even dates back to Covid and their limited opportunities to be sociable in their formative years.
But this fear definitely centres around going to Uni - last night they asked if it was okay to decline their firm and insurance choices and forget the whole thing
To an extent this is possibly normal but I really don't know how to support. I wonder what others' have found?
First, talk to them. Ask why they want to decline their offers, concerns about uni specifically so you can give targetted help.
Friends-wise, as long as they aren't particularly socially/emotionally immature, they'd make at least a few friends and have a fine time in university. Even if they're under 18, it'll still be fine. Under 16 is more iffy, but you don't need to be that mature for university, as long as you're fine, you're fine.
They could try joining societies, going to clubs/bars or simply going out shopping.
Leaving home isn't that big of a step although it is a big step. Cooking, basic meal plans, budgetting can smooth the transition. You may want to give them a lot more freedom at home as a transition.
Original post by cyberhex
Uni student here, just about to finish their first year, so I can't be much help from a parenting standpoint but I do understand the fear about going to uni, especially as someone forced to distance learn because of Covid for their A-Levels so was lacking a bit in the socialising department.
First thing I'd say is to talk to them and try and gauge why they want to decline their offers -- are they not happy with the choices they have, do they want to change course, are they scared about getting into/starting uni or have they decided it just isn't for them? It might be they don't know themselves and are just a bit overwhelmed by it all, or there might be a specific reason behind it, and identifying that early is really important, especially since I know choice deadlines will be coming up. Maybe ask what changed since they seemed enthusiastic about it before.
In terms of addressing the potential fear of making friends, try to reassure them that it's not the end of the world if it takes a few weeks, and that you'll always be on the end of a phone call or a car/train/bus journey away if they get lonely. Maybe also let them know that there'll be lots of opportunities to meet people even before their course starts - I believe most universities have a freshers week, which is basically a full week of events both for students in general and course-specific ones. Even if they aren't the partying type - I have never been on a night out, not really my scene and certain circumstances prevent it - there are socials during the day, and fresher's fair can introduce them to societies they might be interested in joining, which are a good place to make friends with similar interests. For instance, half the people I know are from the rock and metal society I'm a part of. If they're in student accommodation, flatmates are also an excellent place to start talking to people - even just introductions as you're all moving in, setting up a flat group chat, maybe even organising a night to have a meal and get to know each other. I can't promise all flatmates are great, but you're bound to get at least someone you can chat to. There are so many opportunities, even before they have any lectures.
For me, I couldn't wait to move away from home, even temporarily, but that's mainly due to the environment I've grown up in. It's perfectly normal to be nervous about moving away, especially when there are so many responsibilities to take on. If they're worried about it, maybe sit down with them and make a plan of what they need to do before they leave, and what kind of things would need to be organised to help them settle in, e.g. work out where the supermarkets are, maybe teach them how to cook some basic meals and do meal prep and budgeting if that's something they need help with, just to try and make the process seem less stressful.
Whatever the case is, the best thing to do is to stay calm and listen to what they're saying. Make sure they've weighed up all their options before they make any decisions and know the pros and cons of each one, but don't force them into anything they're not comfortable with. That's not to say you can't offer advice - if anything, if they're feeling a bit lost at the minute, I'm sure they'll appreciate it.
This ended up being a bit longer than I intended, but I hope it helps and everything gets resolved
First thing I'd say is to talk to them and try and gauge why they want to decline their offers -- are they not happy with the choices they have, do they want to change course, are they scared about getting into/starting uni or have they decided it just isn't for them? It might be they don't know themselves and are just a bit overwhelmed by it all, or there might be a specific reason behind it, and identifying that early is really important, especially since I know choice deadlines will be coming up. Maybe ask what changed since they seemed enthusiastic about it before.
In terms of addressing the potential fear of making friends, try to reassure them that it's not the end of the world if it takes a few weeks, and that you'll always be on the end of a phone call or a car/train/bus journey away if they get lonely. Maybe also let them know that there'll be lots of opportunities to meet people even before their course starts - I believe most universities have a freshers week, which is basically a full week of events both for students in general and course-specific ones. Even if they aren't the partying type - I have never been on a night out, not really my scene and certain circumstances prevent it - there are socials during the day, and fresher's fair can introduce them to societies they might be interested in joining, which are a good place to make friends with similar interests. For instance, half the people I know are from the rock and metal society I'm a part of. If they're in student accommodation, flatmates are also an excellent place to start talking to people - even just introductions as you're all moving in, setting up a flat group chat, maybe even organising a night to have a meal and get to know each other. I can't promise all flatmates are great, but you're bound to get at least someone you can chat to. There are so many opportunities, even before they have any lectures.
For me, I couldn't wait to move away from home, even temporarily, but that's mainly due to the environment I've grown up in. It's perfectly normal to be nervous about moving away, especially when there are so many responsibilities to take on. If they're worried about it, maybe sit down with them and make a plan of what they need to do before they leave, and what kind of things would need to be organised to help them settle in, e.g. work out where the supermarkets are, maybe teach them how to cook some basic meals and do meal prep and budgeting if that's something they need help with, just to try and make the process seem less stressful.
Whatever the case is, the best thing to do is to stay calm and listen to what they're saying. Make sure they've weighed up all their options before they make any decisions and know the pros and cons of each one, but don't force them into anything they're not comfortable with. That's not to say you can't offer advice - if anything, if they're feeling a bit lost at the minute, I'm sure they'll appreciate it.
This ended up being a bit longer than I intended, but I hope it helps and everything gets resolved
PRSOM. it's what i was going to say, but more detailed
I'd suggest opening a dialogue with them about why they've changed their mind rather than trying to guess at potential causes. Better to know what the exact problem is.
Thanks folks, part of the problem is they don't want to talk about things - as a professional coach I have some skills in this space, but right now they have shut down and seem to be catastrophising about things.
My suspicion is that part of this is the context of school and friends. And part of it is context of becoming an adult, making choices with real consequences and being okay with that.
They have a good work ethic and used to love school, but hate it now - as in screaming, angry, refusing to go to school - as in crying for most of Sunday because it's Monday tomorrow. They have 4 weeks left in school after Easter but are refusing to go back after the holiday. They don't even see an end to school, which is a worry.
They have a strong independent streak, they chose to move schools for sixth form. The teaching has been excellent but they left their friendship groups behind and the kids at the new school were not very welcoming. The school is also very strict, annoying at first but overwhelming to an 18 year old who feels treated like a child.
They have always seemed mature for their age (eldest child and all that brings) and have tended to be very rational and able to articulate their decisions and opinions. choosing GCSEs, A levels/School, Unis etc has felt like really well thought through choices.
One thought is, I have an 18 year old struggling with being childlike in some ways and becoming an adult at the same time - questioning their ability to make decisions (they have said moving school was not what was expected and Uni will be the same) - questioning who they are, fearful of making a bad choice. I wasn't like that at 18 so struggle to relate, so I just listen, we go for long walks, I offer hugs.
My current position is we maybe defer going to Uni until next year if the Unis will allow that. But if the fear is about being independent, about going to Uni, that feels like kicking the problem down the road. I also keep repeating there are no bad choices, just choice and consequence
My suspicion is that part of this is the context of school and friends. And part of it is context of becoming an adult, making choices with real consequences and being okay with that.
They have a good work ethic and used to love school, but hate it now - as in screaming, angry, refusing to go to school - as in crying for most of Sunday because it's Monday tomorrow. They have 4 weeks left in school after Easter but are refusing to go back after the holiday. They don't even see an end to school, which is a worry.
They have a strong independent streak, they chose to move schools for sixth form. The teaching has been excellent but they left their friendship groups behind and the kids at the new school were not very welcoming. The school is also very strict, annoying at first but overwhelming to an 18 year old who feels treated like a child.
They have always seemed mature for their age (eldest child and all that brings) and have tended to be very rational and able to articulate their decisions and opinions. choosing GCSEs, A levels/School, Unis etc has felt like really well thought through choices.
One thought is, I have an 18 year old struggling with being childlike in some ways and becoming an adult at the same time - questioning their ability to make decisions (they have said moving school was not what was expected and Uni will be the same) - questioning who they are, fearful of making a bad choice. I wasn't like that at 18 so struggle to relate, so I just listen, we go for long walks, I offer hugs.
My current position is we maybe defer going to Uni until next year if the Unis will allow that. But if the fear is about being independent, about going to Uni, that feels like kicking the problem down the road. I also keep repeating there are no bad choices, just choice and consequence
Original post by Anonymous
Thanks folks, part of the problem is they don't want to talk about things - as a professional coach I have some skills in this space, but right now they have shut down and seem to be catastrophising about things.
My suspicion is that part of this is the context of school and friends. And part of it is context of becoming an adult, making choices with real consequences and being okay with that.
They have a good work ethic and used to love school, but hate it now - as in screaming, angry, refusing to go to school - as in crying for most of Sunday because it's Monday tomorrow. They have 4 weeks left in school after Easter but are refusing to go back after the holiday. They don't even see an end to school, which is a worry.
They have a strong independent streak, they chose to move schools for sixth form. The teaching has been excellent but they left their friendship groups behind and the kids at the new school were not very welcoming. The school is also very strict, annoying at first but overwhelming to an 18 year old who feels treated like a child.
They have always seemed mature for their age (eldest child and all that brings) and have tended to be very rational and able to articulate their decisions and opinions. choosing GCSEs, A levels/School, Unis etc has felt like really well thought through choices.
One thought is, I have an 18 year old struggling with being childlike in some ways and becoming an adult at the same time - questioning their ability to make decisions (they have said moving school was not what was expected and Uni will be the same) - questioning who they are, fearful of making a bad choice. I wasn't like that at 18 so struggle to relate, so I just listen, we go for long walks, I offer hugs.
My current position is we maybe defer going to Uni until next year if the Unis will allow that. But if the fear is about being independent, about going to Uni, that feels like kicking the problem down the road. I also keep repeating there are no bad choices, just choice and consequence
My suspicion is that part of this is the context of school and friends. And part of it is context of becoming an adult, making choices with real consequences and being okay with that.
They have a good work ethic and used to love school, but hate it now - as in screaming, angry, refusing to go to school - as in crying for most of Sunday because it's Monday tomorrow. They have 4 weeks left in school after Easter but are refusing to go back after the holiday. They don't even see an end to school, which is a worry.
They have a strong independent streak, they chose to move schools for sixth form. The teaching has been excellent but they left their friendship groups behind and the kids at the new school were not very welcoming. The school is also very strict, annoying at first but overwhelming to an 18 year old who feels treated like a child.
They have always seemed mature for their age (eldest child and all that brings) and have tended to be very rational and able to articulate their decisions and opinions. choosing GCSEs, A levels/School, Unis etc has felt like really well thought through choices.
One thought is, I have an 18 year old struggling with being childlike in some ways and becoming an adult at the same time - questioning their ability to make decisions (they have said moving school was not what was expected and Uni will be the same) - questioning who they are, fearful of making a bad choice. I wasn't like that at 18 so struggle to relate, so I just listen, we go for long walks, I offer hugs.
My current position is we maybe defer going to Uni until next year if the Unis will allow that. But if the fear is about being independent, about going to Uni, that feels like kicking the problem down the road. I also keep repeating there are no bad choices, just choice and consequence
I guess you could refer them to a counselor if they don't want to talk to you. If they still don't... well they need to help themselves.
Depends on what things they've been catastrophicising about... and if it lasts long enough, they could go to the GP. A bunch of things are possible, including adjustment disorder.
In that case the advice given from others and me would help, given the contex
Sometimes the stress comes up and some people "tough it out" until they can't handle it. Especially for men, socialised to tough things out because they're "supposed" to be stoic, until they explode.
No wonder why the 18 year old feels overwhelmed. I would encourage them to keep at it for a few more weeks. If that's the difference between escaping and having to endure another year, with enough motivation they may still have it in them.
I'm in a somewhat similar situation, but not school. Don't really like home life anyway, I'd be going to uni this year and spreading my wings, even if I have to go to a worse uni than what I'm capable of.
Yes they may seem mature for their age, but stress can do a lot on a person. It's a significant contributor to various mental wellbeing problems, or even mental disorders (I hope it doesn't go that far)
People who are strong at making decisions can still question their capability to make decisions. They can often underestimate themselves (and that can lead to significant issues)
Your support has been good so far
I'd suggest university this year. The problem would probably be worse if the can is kicked down the road.
thank you - wrt counselling, we started down that route and it turned in to a bit of a fiasco
School said they would help with the onsite counsellor for a few weeks until school ended for exam prep and we could get something else organised. GP did a referral to local mental health folks, who duly rang to discuss things. We mentioned school was helping for a few weeks - so they said they couldn't help, they would take the name off the waiting list and when we really needed their help to go back to the GP and ask to be referred, to go back on the waiting list . . .
School said they would help with the onsite counsellor for a few weeks until school ended for exam prep and we could get something else organised. GP did a referral to local mental health folks, who duly rang to discuss things. We mentioned school was helping for a few weeks - so they said they couldn't help, they would take the name off the waiting list and when we really needed their help to go back to the GP and ask to be referred, to go back on the waiting list . . .
Original post by Anonymous
thank you - wrt counselling, we started down that route and it turned in to a bit of a fiasco
School said they would help with the onsite counsellor for a few weeks until school ended for exam prep and we could get something else organised. GP did a referral to local mental health folks, who duly rang to discuss things. We mentioned school was helping for a few weeks - so they said they couldn't help, they would take the name off the waiting list and when we really needed their help to go back to the GP and ask to be referred, to go back on the waiting list . . .
School said they would help with the onsite counsellor for a few weeks until school ended for exam prep and we could get something else organised. GP did a referral to local mental health folks, who duly rang to discuss things. We mentioned school was helping for a few weeks - so they said they couldn't help, they would take the name off the waiting list and when we really needed their help to go back to the GP and ask to be referred, to go back on the waiting list . . .
Then try to get back to the waiting list, or go private. Considering the sorry state of the NHS, private may be necessary. Even if it's to rule out things like adjustment disorder.
Original post by Anonymous
Thanks folks, part of the problem is they don't want to talk about things - as a professional coach I have some skills in this space, but right now they have shut down and seem to be catastrophising about things.
My suspicion is that part of this is the context of school and friends. And part of it is context of becoming an adult, making choices with real consequences and being okay with that.
They have a good work ethic and used to love school, but hate it now - as in screaming, angry, refusing to go to school - as in crying for most of Sunday because it's Monday tomorrow. They have 4 weeks left in school after Easter but are refusing to go back after the holiday. They don't even see an end to school, which is a worry.
They have a strong independent streak, they chose to move schools for sixth form. The teaching has been excellent but they left their friendship groups behind and the kids at the new school were not very welcoming. The school is also very strict, annoying at first but overwhelming to an 18 year old who feels treated like a child.
They have always seemed mature for their age (eldest child and all that brings) and have tended to be very rational and able to articulate their decisions and opinions. choosing GCSEs, A levels/School, Unis etc has felt like really well thought through choices.
One thought is, I have an 18 year old struggling with being childlike in some ways and becoming an adult at the same time - questioning their ability to make decisions (they have said moving school was not what was expected and Uni will be the same) - questioning who they are, fearful of making a bad choice. I wasn't like that at 18 so struggle to relate, so I just listen, we go for long walks, I offer hugs.
My current position is we maybe defer going to Uni until next year if the Unis will allow that. But if the fear is about being independent, about going to Uni, that feels like kicking the problem down the road. I also keep repeating there are no bad choices, just choice and consequence
My suspicion is that part of this is the context of school and friends. And part of it is context of becoming an adult, making choices with real consequences and being okay with that.
They have a good work ethic and used to love school, but hate it now - as in screaming, angry, refusing to go to school - as in crying for most of Sunday because it's Monday tomorrow. They have 4 weeks left in school after Easter but are refusing to go back after the holiday. They don't even see an end to school, which is a worry.
They have a strong independent streak, they chose to move schools for sixth form. The teaching has been excellent but they left their friendship groups behind and the kids at the new school were not very welcoming. The school is also very strict, annoying at first but overwhelming to an 18 year old who feels treated like a child.
They have always seemed mature for their age (eldest child and all that brings) and have tended to be very rational and able to articulate their decisions and opinions. choosing GCSEs, A levels/School, Unis etc has felt like really well thought through choices.
One thought is, I have an 18 year old struggling with being childlike in some ways and becoming an adult at the same time - questioning their ability to make decisions (they have said moving school was not what was expected and Uni will be the same) - questioning who they are, fearful of making a bad choice. I wasn't like that at 18 so struggle to relate, so I just listen, we go for long walks, I offer hugs.
My current position is we maybe defer going to Uni until next year if the Unis will allow that. But if the fear is about being independent, about going to Uni, that feels like kicking the problem down the road. I also keep repeating there are no bad choices, just choice and consequence
"They have a good work ethic and used to love school, but hate it now - as in screaming, angry, refusing to go to school - as in crying for most of Sunday because it's Monday tomorrow. They have 4 weeks left in school after Easter but are refusing to go back after the holiday. They don't even see an end to school, which is a worry."
Are your alarm bells ringing that they may be being bullied?
What sort of a coach are you? Being a sports or music coach is a very different to being a social skills coach.
With the bullying, there will be a "snitches get stitches" culture at your child's school. So don't expect them to 'fess up to you if you probe them about it.
Are you aware of all of the amazing and fantastic alternatives to going to university? The sort of alternatives that makes most uni courses at most universities seem like a really dumb move.
Is your child aware of them?
How good is your child when it comes to:
Logical decision making
Being self motivated
Driving towards an ambition
Social skills
Social skills towards the gender they are attracted to
Sales skills
Budgeting and handling their personal finances
Food shopping and cooking skills
Washing clothes skills
Home cleaning skills
Avoiding procrastination
Handling stress
Car driving
Resisting addictions
Hi! As a student, now in my second year at uni, I certainly resonated with some of these fears. Before going to university I had a lot of worries about living situations/commuting/travelling, social relationships and activities, and generally not knowing how the process of university works. As I was going to be starting on a new course in London (https://www.lis.ac.uk/about/), therefore on a degree with no previous graduates, there was also an added layer of 'unknown', and I wasn't sure whether to attend that year or defer until I felt 'ready'. I didn't have much time to process that I was going to be starting university as I had only made my decision a few months prior to the start of term, and I didn't feel prepared - certainly not in terms of sorting finance, accommodation, or even knowing the people who would be in my cohort.
Thankfully there were quite a few things that put my mind at ease, and helped my make the decision to attend that year:
- staff were helpful in answering questions, and navigating options, replying quickly and in a welcoming way
- we have a great student support team who have helped with a range of concerns and worries
- offer holders had a group-chat we used to arrange meet-ups before the start of term, and answer each others questions
I would certainly recommend reaching out to the university or current/past students, and seeing if they have any advice that can help with worries or areas of concern, as well as seeing if there is any safe/established spaces for future students (applicants/offer holders) to get in touch with each other or get to know each other before starting on the course.
Hope this helps
Thankfully there were quite a few things that put my mind at ease, and helped my make the decision to attend that year:
- staff were helpful in answering questions, and navigating options, replying quickly and in a welcoming way
- we have a great student support team who have helped with a range of concerns and worries
- offer holders had a group-chat we used to arrange meet-ups before the start of term, and answer each others questions
I would certainly recommend reaching out to the university or current/past students, and seeing if they have any advice that can help with worries or areas of concern, as well as seeing if there is any safe/established spaces for future students (applicants/offer holders) to get in touch with each other or get to know each other before starting on the course.
Hope this helps
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