Biggest Uni fears: how to overcome these

For those of you heading off to uni in September you’re probably hearing a lot about how much of a change it is and that can be super daunting! But if you are feeling a bit anxious about the next couple of months to come then please try not to worry. From someone who’s been in your shoes and dealt with the anxiety, I wanted to write this blog because although it won’t always seem like it, everything will work out!
If you are someone that is about to hand in your coursework or sit your exams, I’m sure grades are playing on your mind. Depending on your offers the weight of getting grades can be really hard and for some of you the idea of clearing might be super scary. The first thing i would say is try not to focus on the outcome of the exams, it’s difficult but working yourself up can sometimes distract your focus. However, if you really are wanting to be super prepared then you can look into what clearing is like as a process through UCAS and find some options that you might like as a back up!
One of the main fears (and definitely one I struggles with) when starting uni, is the fear of fitting in! Especially if you’re moving away from home, the idea of starting fresh, fitting in and having to make new friends is a super valid fear but it’s also an exciting opportunity! Whether it be in halls, at societies or on your course, uni is a great way to interact with a really diverse group of people where you’ll get the chance not only to find people similar to you but to also broaden your horizons and find tonnes of new interests. Uni is the perfect place to try new things and grow as a person.
Another thing that I was hearing a lot about when I was preparing to start my uni experience was how difficult the workload was going to be compared to college or sixth form. Whilst there are definitely a couple of differences (this is also dependent on your course) there is support there so that the jump isn’t as obvious as people make it out to be. Here at Kingston we have support from tutors and an academic success team who are there specifically to help you out with assignments and exams. It’s also worth noting that on a number of courses the first year doesn’t count towards your final degree so that you can learn what your course wants from you with very little pressure!
If you have any questions or worries that you want some advice on then please leave them in the comments and I’ll try my best to help!
-Yasmin (Kingston rep)

Hi, I am both excited and nervous about going to uni in September. I had not the best experience in secondary school, I’ve found it hard to make/keep friends at my school, I go to a smallish rural high school and I found that other girls in my year at school were often cliquey and I didn’t fit in well. I am worried I will end up in the same situation at uni, in regards to being unable to make/keep friends however I know that there are lots more people at uni supposed to at my school. My experience at school has made it hard for me to make friends and I can come across shy and self conscious at first. I’m wondering what is the best way to make friends at uni, especially since I’m commuting and not staying in halls. Another worry I have is I will still be 17 at freshers, will I miss out on a lot of things because of this?