The Student Room Group

university worries

i am so scared about university. does anyone have any like calming tips about it?
I'm also concerned, I'm starting university this year and also moving out for the first time. I guess you should know that you are not alone in feeling the way you do. In the end, something will work out one way or another.
Is there something specific that you're worried about?
Reply 3
Original post by Anonymous
I'm also concerned, I'm starting university this year and also moving out for the first time. I guess you should know that you are not alone in feeling the way you do. In the end, something will work out one way or another.

yeah, i guess in a strange way that makes me feel better. i’ve never like lived away from my mum and dad so i don’t know how i’ll be when i get there. im real scared ahah
Reply 4
Original post by Anonymous
Is there something specific that you're worried about?

i think what’s suddenly stressed me out is the social side of things. how suddenly i’m gonna have to worry about getting a second year house and sorting everything out by christmas. feel like everythings suddenly caught up on me. what about u?
Yeah, I've been thinking a lot about the social aspect too. I've thought about the second-year accommodation thing and I think it's better to think about that later, it's really early to think about it as we are just starting. I'm sure there will be staff at the university willing to discuss this kind of thing so you can turn to them as well. Another social thing I'm personally a little worried about is the friends I will make. I'm hoping I can meet respectful people who are as passionate as I am about studying my course but that is up to chance.
When does your course start?
Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear you're feeling worried, but I hope it helps reassure you in knowing that lots of people are feeling a similar way or are in a similar situation - you're not alone!

Living away from parents in new place with new people for the first time can bring anxious feelings. And it might take a few days or weeks after moving in to let those anxious feelings fade away. Doing new things in general can make anyone feel a little worried, as it's an unfamiliar thing. To help make this change more calming, and make your new room feel more familiar to you, do you have anything special/sentimental you could bring with you? I brought lots of mini photos of my friends and stuck them to my pinboard. My flatmate brought photos of her dog. Others bring sentimental blankets. It can be anything you think will help you settle in! It's something small but it really helps calm feelings of unfamiliarity. As I said, it might take a bit of time for you to feel settled but try to take things day by day - have fun in freshers week, go on adventures around the city, get to know your campus, socialise with flatmates/coursemates or people you meet in societies. Having ideas for things to do can make the new experience feel more exciting rather than overwhelming (at least it did for me). And remember you can call your parents whenever you want to!:smile:

Try not to worry about the second year house yet, it's a future 'problem', and at the moment try to focus on enjoying and settling in. When it comes to it you'll figure it out. I sorted my second year accommodation in January so it doesn't always have to be sorted straight away.

With the social side - remember so many different people and personalities are coming together from so many different places - you're bound to meet people with similar interests and passions. A great way to find like-minded people (aside from your course) is through societies. I really encourage you to make the most of freshers and try things you've never tried before. I tried a salsa dancing taster sessions and LOVED it. Have a look at what societies your uni offers so you can start thinking about what taster sessions you might want to go to.:smile:

Sorry this is such a long response but I really hope you find it reassuring! Let me know if I can help with anything else and I hope you have the best time at uni:smile:

Bethan
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
Original post by Anonymous
i am so scared about university. does anyone have any like calming tips about it?


University isn't as intimidating as you may think. The lecturers are super nice and will support you thoroughly. You are doing what YOU want to do, so if this is a case you should really enjoy yourself. As long as you work hard and you have enough you time, then you should succeed. Don't let exams or anything else get in the way of trying to get the most out of your experience.

Back in 2012 I joined university for the first time and yes I was intimidated strongly because I didn't know what to expect. Just know that there might be a few acclimation hurdles at first, but you'll get over them and find yourself enjoying what you do. You have the power at university, it's up to you to fulfill yourself with it.
Reply 8
Original post by Anonymous
Yeah, I've been thinking a lot about the social aspect too. I've thought about the second-year accommodation thing and I think it's better to think about that later, it's really early to think about it as we are just starting. I'm sure there will be staff at the university willing to discuss this kind of thing so you can turn to them as well. Another social thing I'm personally a little worried about is the friends I will make. I'm hoping I can meet respectful people who are as passionate as I am about studying my course but that is up to chance.
When does your course start?

yeah me too. i hope i can find someone who is like me. cause i don’t like clubbing or anything! i move in on the 16th and then lectures etc start the week after. what about you?
Reply 9
Original post by ExeterStudentRep
Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear you're feeling worried, but I hope it helps reassure you in knowing that lots of people are feeling a similar way or are in a similar situation - you're not alone!

Living away from parents in new place with new people for the first time can bring anxious feelings. And it might take a few days or weeks after moving in to let those anxious feelings fade away. Doing new things in general can make anyone feel a little worried, as it's an unfamiliar thing. To help make this change more calming, and make your new room feel more familiar to you, do you have anything special/sentimental you could bring with you? I brought lots of mini photos of my friends and stuck them to my pinboard. My flatmate brought photos of her dog. Others bring sentimental blankets. It can be anything you think will help you settle in! It's something small but it really helps calm feelings of unfamiliarity. As I said, it might take a bit of time for you to feel settled but try to take things day by day - have fun in freshers week, go on adventures around the city, get to know your campus, socialise with flatmates/coursemates or people you meet in societies. Having ideas for things to do can make the new experience feel more exciting rather than overwhelming (at least it did for me). And remember you can call your parents whenever you want to!:smile:

Try not to worry about the second year house yet, it's a future 'problem', and at the moment try to focus on enjoying and settling in. When it comes to it you'll figure it out. I sorted my second year accommodation in January so it doesn't always have to be sorted straight away.

With the social side - remember so many different people and personalities are coming together from so many different places - you're bound to meet people with similar interests and passions. A great way to find like-minded people (aside from your course) is through societies. I really encourage you to make the most of freshers and try things you've never tried before. I tried a salsa dancing taster sessions and LOVED it. Have a look at what societies your uni offers so you can start thinking about what taster sessions you might want to go to.:smile:

Sorry this is such a long response but I really hope you find it reassuring! Let me know if I can help with anything else and I hope you have the best time at uni:smile:

Bethan
University of Exeter Student Ambassador

hi! no don’t say sorry for the long response. thank you so much
Reply 10
Original post by JDINCINERATOR
University isn't as intimidating as you may think. The lecturers are super nice and will support you thoroughly. You are doing what YOU want to do, so if this is a case you should really enjoy yourself. As long as you work hard and you have enough you time, then you should succeed. Don't let exams or anything else get in the way of trying to get the most out of your experience.

Back in 2012 I joined university for the first time and yes I was intimidated strongly because I didn't know what to expect. Just know that there might be a few acclimation hurdles at first, but you'll get over them and find yourself enjoying what you do. You have the power at university, it's up to you to fulfill yourself with it.


hi! yeah you are right. i’m going to uni because i want to do it. i feel really motivated now i’ve read your message. thank you so much
Original post by Anonymous
i am so scared about university. does anyone have any like calming tips about it?


Starting university can be a scary and daunting process. So many people are in the same boat and will be feeling the same. It is very normal to feel homesick and nervous hen first staring. When I first started I was so anxious and worried about fitting in and moving away from home. What helped me was filling my dorm room with things that made me feel at home. I decorated with lots of pillows, pictures, childhood bits and bobs and my comfiest blankets.

My top tips are:
- make yourself a new home! Fill your life with home comforts like decorating, favourite foods, favourite TV programes etc
- ride it out! It will be tempting to just go back home to settle the nerves but this might make it harder to return! Talk to your family and visit them but try to avoid going back too much!
- throw yourself into new activities! If there is a hobby you've always loved or wanted to try do it! It's a good way to make new friends and make you feel more at home
- say yes to as many opportunities as possible! When you are feeling anxious it can be really tempting to lock yourself away. This will make things worse in the long run- trust me! If you feel like you can mange it say yes! If you go and don't like it you can always leave. But trying might lead to new friends and opportunities.
- don't put all your eggs in one basket! Make friends, try new things, go new places. Don't just do the usual and limit yourself. Try and broaden your horizons. Keeping busy will take your mind off your homesickness and eventually your university will become a new 'home'

Just remember it will be hard at first and you might second guess your decision. But you've got this! You can do it and once you are doing it it will become easier. The fear is always worse than reality! Just try to relax and have fun and take your time. You are not alone. It is okay to stay at the dorms sometimes and not go out all the time. Just look after yourself and find the perfect balance for you! You've got this!!!

Hannah:bear:
Psychology Student
De Montfort University
Original post by Anonymous
i am so scared about university. does anyone have any like calming tips about it?


Hello!

First of all, congratulations on securing a place at University!

What most people tend to not admit is that everyone is scared about starting University, and everyone has different reasons as to why. You're essentially starting something completely new from what you're used to and it's completely normal to feel anxious about it.

My top advice is to quite literally make yourself at home. Make your accommodation feel like home as much as you can by filling it with all sorts of decorations and scents that remind you of home, it will trick your brain into thinking you're home.

Also, join as many societies as you can, you'll meet so many amazing people that will make your time away from home easier and more fun. And most importantly, don't force yourself into doing things that you really don't want to do, leaving your comfort zone and trying new things is one thing but forcing yourself to do things that you feel you have to do is another. Stay true to yourself and what you want to get out of University and everything else will be easier.

Goodluck and I hope this information helps :smile:

-Ghala
(Official DU Rep)
Original post by Anonymous
i am so scared about university. does anyone have any like calming tips about it?


Hi there

Congratulations on securing your place at University! :smile:

I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling worried, but please do not stress too much.

Before I attended first year at University, I was in the same position as you and I am sure many others were or will be as well. It is completely normal to feel anxious, moving to a new place, meeting new people can seem intimidating, but it really is not too bad! :biggrin:

If you are concerned about the social side of Uni (as were I), perhaps you can have a look at your University's Facebook groups. Talking to others from your University before moving, and getting to know some people in your accommodation or course may help.

There are all sorts of people at University, and there are plenty of opportunities to meet people with similar hobbies and interests as you. One thing I would recommend would be having a look at the Fresher's fair. You can look at each of the societies and attend their events if they interest you. (Also do not worry if you do not go drinking or clubbing. I do not either, and I have managed to find my group of friends, so just be yourself!) :biggrin:

Overall University is a really good experience, so please do not worry too much. :biggrin: Just take things one step at a time and I'm sure you'll settle in pretty soon. Though do remember it is always possible to commute from University back home if you ever feel the need to. :smile:

All the best with starting University this September.

Chloe
-University of Kent Student Rep
Original post by Anonymous
i am so scared about university. does anyone have any like calming tips about it?


Hi there!

Firstly, congratulations on starting uni! This is a really exciting time!
Some of my best tips are to join the facebook groups for your course/ accommodation as this will help you to get to know some people before you start! I did this and it really helped to calm those first day nerves!

See university as a chance to try new things and get involved in new things! You’ll find loads of societies and sports teams at university, use this as an opportunity to try something new that you’ve always wanted to try!

If you have any questions about starting university, let me know!

- Rebecca, UCLan
Hello,
I'm one of the student ambassadors here at coventry university.
First of all, the fact that you are able to reach out is incredible, and for that you should be proud. Secondly, one of the biggest ways to help calm nerves in my experience, is to remind yourself that what you are feeling is completely normal. You are not alone by a mile and there will be many people in your position right now and come the start of the year.
Starting university can be extremely nerve wrecking, not knowing what to expect, not having anyone you know around etc. But we all start off there and you find us humans are easy to adapt, and the university experience is what you make it.
You may find you'll be so busy in the first few weeks of university that you won't even have time to realise you're nervous, and once you are familiar you may find your nerves will lessen more and more whilst you are settling in.

I'd recommend joining some groups ahead of time, these are usually set up by people on the same course as you and will allow you to make some friends before hand, this helped me out a lot when I first started university!
I hope this helps,
Best of luck and have fun,
Courtney H
Original post by Anonymous
i am so scared about university. does anyone have any like calming tips about it?


Hello,

Absolutely! As a university student, I entirely understand your fears about beginning university, and I'm here to offer you some relaxing methods that helped me as well. It's normal to be concerned about the unknown, but keep in mind that university is a new and exciting phase in your life.

Accept it as an opportunity for personal development, learning, and new experiences. Make a schedule, a study plan, and a to-do list for yourself. Making a strategy can help you feel more in control of your academic obligations. University is a great place to meet individuals from many walks of life. Participate in orientation events, join clubs or organisations that interest you, and make an effort to engage with your peers. Many others are in the same situation as you and are trying to make new pals.

Academic advising, counselling, and wellness programmes are common services provided by most colleges. If you need assistance or someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to contact them. I believe that excellent time management is essential for success. Set reasonable goals, prioritise your responsibilities, and make time for relaxation and self-care. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest. Take care of yourself since your physical health has a direct impact on your mental wellness.

University is a location where you will be exposed to a wide range of ideas and opinions. Maintain an open mind, participate in discussions, and be open to learning from others. It is critical to take breaks to refresh. Overburdening yourself with work might result in burnout. Find hobbies or pastimes that allow you to unwind and relax.

Don't be scared to ask questions or seek clarification from teachers in class. Remember, they are there to assist you in learning and succeeding. Consider why you opted to go to university and what long-term goals you intend to attain. This can provide motivation throughout difficult times.

To relax your mind when you're feeling overwhelmed, try deep breathing exercises or meditation techniques. Instead than concentrating on failures or obstacles, concentrate on your accomplishments and development. Positive thinking can help reduce anxiety significantly.

Remember that it's normal to feel terrified or apprehensive about such a big change, but with time and help, you'll find your groove and succeed in university. You've got this, and there's an entire community here to support you!

I hope this is helpful.
Kind regards,
Mrunali Kalbhor,
University of Sunderland Student ambassador

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