Scared to go uni

I’m kind of nervous to go uni because I’m always thinking people are more smarter than me I’ve always been like this even in school and it lowers my confidence…

Reply 1

Forlornsoul

no one knows everything
there will be a diverse cohort of coursemates, all from different backgrounds
and some will adjust quicker than others, that's just natural
just take a deep breath, make sure you meet your deadlines of course, but aside from that, have fun! it's the first time you'll be away from home, finally getting the chance to discover yourself
it's an experience of a lifetime !

Reply 2

Kingston Reps

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Original post by Anonymous

I’m kind of nervous to go uni because I’m always thinking people are more smarter than me I’ve always been like this even in school and it lowers my confidence…

Hey!

It's totally normal to feel a bit nervous about attending university - I know I certainly did! I think in this case it's important to remember that if you've received an offer from a university, they clearly believe you're academically capable of handling the course material. Whilst, yes, other students on your course will naturally have a wide range of A-Level/leaving qualification grades, those with higher grades aren't necessarily 'smarter' than you - they've simply had different educational backgrounds/opportunites so far. As long as you keep on top of your assignments and attend your classes, I imagine you'll do great. 🙂

Best of luck!
Eve (Kingston Rep).

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 3

University of Sunderland Student Ambassador

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Original post by Anonymous

I’m kind of nervous to go uni because I’m always thinking people are more smarter than me I’ve always been like this even in school and it lowers my confidence…

Totally normal to be nervous about starting uni but its important to remember that everyone is in the same boat. Also you have to have trust in your own merit, you got in with solid grades just like them and the university obviously saw something in your personal statement. Try and have more faith in yourself :smile:

Reply 4

Chester Student

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Original post by Anonymous

I’m kind of nervous to go uni because I’m always thinking people are more smarter than me I’ve always been like this even in school and it lowers my confidence…

Hi there,

It is totally normal to feel this way when going into university!

Remember that you earned your grades, and if you were given an offer by a university, you deserve to be there as much as anyone else! Everyone comes from different backgrounds, experiences, opportunities, and schools, so their education might be a little different to yours. By no means is anyone smarter - just different!

Focus on studying a course you love, putting the work in, making friends, and having fantastic opportunities. University can be a wonderful experience if you make the most of it.

Best of luck,

Isabella
Third-year Geography with a Year Abroad Student

Reply 5

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I’m kind of nervous to go uni because I’m always thinking people are more smarter than me I’ve always been like this even in school and it lowers my confidence…

Hi there,

It’s normal to feel a bit nervous about going to uni- it’s a completely different experience to anything you have experienced before so it will be a bit daunting but please try not to worry about this too much.

Try and remember that everyone is different and learns things at a different pace and it doesn’t mean that everyone is a lot smarter than you. Other people will be thinking this too it won’t just be you thinking that other people are clever.

It’s easier said than done but try not to compare yourself as you will enjoy uni and enjoy doing your work so much more if you just go at your own pace and do it as best you can as at the end of the day it is only your degree that matters so as long as you do as well as you can this is all that matters.

Some things that helped me to achieve a better grade include staying organised and making sure that I have a set plan each week of what work I need to do, what reading needs doing and when I am going to do it all. This helps me to get it all done on time as I have it planned out when it needs to be done.

Also, keeping on top of your reading will be helpful too and try and do it when they say rather than leaving it until the last minute when you do your assignment as you will be stressed if you do this and you may not do as well.

I would also make sure you make use of the university services that they have available. At Hallam, they have the library service where you can take classes or extra help sessions on certain things such as critical writing or referencing which your uni may have too which are really good and they are there to help you so you may as well use them.

Along the same lines, make sure you are asking your tutors if you ever need help as this is what they are there to do! They will always help you if you need it so make sure you utilise their expertise as this will help you to get a better grade.

I hope some of this helps 🙂

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 6

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I’m kind of nervous to go uni because I’m always thinking people are more smarter than me I’ve always been like this even in school and it lowers my confidence…

Hi there!

It's normal to be nervous to go to uni, I remember for an entire month before going I would get nervous everytime I thought about it. I think you should definitely have faith in your abilities, since you managed to get into the university you were chosen because the university believes you can handle it, just like everyone else who will be going. No one knows what they're doing when they first get to university, it's a big change! While it might not seem so, everyone is in the same boat, and you will find a way to succeed.

Wish you luck!
Jen (UoS student rep)

Reply 7

University of Huddersfield

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I’m kind of nervous to go uni because I’m always thinking people are more smarter than me I’ve always been like this even in school and it lowers my confidence…

Anon,

It's okay to meet people who are smart or who are smarter than you. A lot of people are smart in some areas and not so smart in others. Sometimes people can give the impression that they know lots when they don't and sometimes people really are sharp. They can pick up new ideas quickly. They can remember and apply their knowledge. They can get good results. If you meet those kind of people, that's great. They are the kind of people who will push you on to work harder and to achieve more!

All that being said, you are not going to university to compete with others. You're are going to university to fulfil your goal of getting a degree. It's not about everyone else, it's about you. It's about you putting in the time, work and energy to achieve what you want. The people alongside you who are smarter or who appear really smart are there to help you, inspire you, and to encourage you to be better at your degree.

Be confident because you can know you can work hard, have an an interest in the subject and because you have the skills or talent to succeed. It's why you are going to university and it's why you don't have to be afraid!

All the best,

Oluwatosin – 3rd year student – University of Huddersfield

Reply 8

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

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Original post by Anonymous

I’m kind of nervous to go uni because I’m always thinking people are more smarter than me I’ve always been like this even in school and it lowers my confidence…

Hello there!
Coventry University student ambassador here!

I was in the exact same situation when I started university, and while in school as well. As others said it is totally normal to feel this way, however I want to share some active tips that I took to overcome this.

1. Understanding that everyone comes from different backgrounds and diverse upbringings, some may be more fortunate than other in learning how to cope with this, and at the same time, everyone had different resources of learning, which can also affect their confidence and way of assimilating thing.
2. Shift Your Mindset:
o Focus on Growth: Embrace a growth mindset. Recognize that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication.
o Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses.
3. Set Realistic Goals:
o Personal Goals: Set realistic and personal academic goals based on your abilities and interests, not in comparison to others.
o Incremental Progress: Celebrate small achievements and incremental progress.
4. Time Management and Organization:
o Planning: Create a study schedule to manage your time effectively. This helps reduce stress and increases productivity.
o Prioritization: Prioritize tasks and focus on completing the most important ones first.

You may not surpass others, but that is ok, as long as you have a healthy mental image about yourself. Try reading some self-help books, this helped me get out of this unhealthy always competitive perspective. A good book I can recommend is "Surrounded by idiots" by Thomas Erikson. Additionally, to change your way of thinking I strongly suggest trying philosophy, my personal mantra is governed by stoicism, which at its core focuses on learning how to go through any situation, whether triggered by external or internal factors, completely unphased.

Kind Regards,
Bianca (BSc Aviation Management student)

Reply 9

UCLan Ambassador

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Original post by Anonymous

I’m kind of nervous to go uni because I’m always thinking people are more smarter than me I’ve always been like this even in school and it lowers my confidence…

Hi there,

University can be challenging but is it also an amazing opportunity to learn and grow as a person. I struggled with confidence and constantly doubting my work even when getting high marks. Getting a place at uni proves that you can do it! You will have varied course mates, and many will feel the same so you are definitely not alone.

Comparing yourself to others is something we always do and it is easier said than done but if you just work at your pace and focus on your work doing your best then that’s all that matters. It is your degree and I’m sure you will be great. 😊

Hope this helps!

Jakub - Fashion promotion and marketing student

Reply 10

UCLan Student

Official Rep

Hello,

My name is Haya and I am a final year medic.

When I first came to university, there was the challenge of being an international student, studying medicine ,and trying to make friends.

I also thought that everyone will be super smart and it will be difficult to keep up. First thing I want to remind you is, university would not have accepted you if they didn’t think you were good enough!

Everyone will be scared and anxious because it will be a new environment. My number one tip is try to embrace the change and remember there is loads of support available for you!

Best of luck and if you any specific questions we are here for you!
Haya

Reply 11

ARU Graduate

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I’m kind of nervous to go uni because I’m always thinking people are more smarter than me I’ve always been like this even in school and it lowers my confidence…

Hiya,

I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling like this but I can definitely resonate with that feeling! I definitely felt that imposter syndrome before joining university and even during the course!

However, a feeling doesn’t mean it’s true right? What I’ve found is university isn’t a competition and actually everyone is so supportive of one another. We all help each other out and there’s so much support from your peers and the university. I’ve found some of my lecturers to be a fantastic help when I’m having them moments of self doubt.

I am also a mature student and out off uni for far far too long because I thought I was ‘stupid’ and that I wouldn’t be able to do it. I’ve definitely proved myself wrong…I’m now in my third year and never has anyone else made me feel like I shouldn’t be here or can’t do it. If anything uni has helped to boost my confidence!

I know it’s hard to put fears aside, but as long as you put the hard work in, do everything on time and ask for support when you need it, I have no doubt you’ll absolutely fine! There’s so many amazing things to experience at uni and it’s so rewarding. Try to focus on the positives of starting uni and just go for it!

I promise you won’t regret it 🙂 I hope this helps to ease your fears in knowing lots of other people have very similar worries.

Good luck! I hope you smash it and prove yourself wrong 🙂

Sophie (ARU)

Reply 12

FayeYSJ

Original post by Anonymous

I’m kind of nervous to go uni because I’m always thinking people are more smarter than me I’ve always been like this even in school and it lowers my confidence…

Hi,
I'm sorry to hear that you feel this way, I struggle in the same way so I understand where you are coming from.
For me, this was a lot worse during A Levels and I have found there is less comparison at university. However, this doesn't mean comparison doesn't exist. Firstly, I want to reassure you that you are not alone in feeling this way, most people feel this way at some point in their academic career.
Secondly, some practical things that may help you - celebrating your own successes, even if someone else did better this does not take away from your achievement. I would even consider contacting your university's wellbeing team as this is definitely an area they can support you in, I have found this to be really helpful for keeping everything in perspective.

I hope this helps! Faye 🙂

Reply 13

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I’m kind of nervous to go uni because I’m always thinking people are more smarter than me I’ve always been like this even in school and it lowers my confidence…

Hey there,

You will be probably surprised to know that absolutely everyone has the exact same feeling right now :smile:

Please, do not be nervous. University is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet new people, broaden your horizons and get some emotions you will never forget. The key is to engage as much as possible and to study hard of course !

Take care,
Ilya