terrified about uni

i move in less than 2 weeks and im absolutely terrified. im scared of the academics, not being able to keep up with the workload and finding everything difficult. im terrible in social situations so i have no idea how to socialise there. my parents are a bit overprotective so i am not independant at all so idk how i'll cope without them. i havent had much alcohol in the past, not because i dont want to but because i dont get invited to parties or dont have friends to go out with, so i feel like im stuck between the type to go out during freshers and the type to stay in. im just so so scared and i dont understand how anyone can be excited about this and im dreading it so much idk how to calm the nerves

Reply 1

EdgeHillStudents

Official Rep

13

Original post by Anonymous

i move in less than 2 weeks and im absolutely terrified. im scared of the academics, not being able to keep up with the workload and finding everything difficult. im terrible in social situations so i have no idea how to socialise there. my parents are a bit overprotective so i am not independant at all so idk how i'll cope without them. i havent had much alcohol in the past, not because i dont want to but because i dont get invited to parties or dont have friends to go out with, so i feel like im stuck between the type to go out during freshers and the type to stay in. im just so so scared and i dont understand how anyone can be excited about this and im dreading it so much idk how to calm the nerves

Hi there!

I completely understand your concerns, I felt similar when going into my first year. It can be really scary going into a new environment but if it helps at all, so many freshers feel this way!

In terms of the academics I would just say that you got your place in uni so you absolutely have the ability to succeed. If you do have any issues or fall behind that's completely normal and the tutors are there to help. Your uni should also have some study guides on all the ways to keep on top of your work, so there will always be help available.

Freshers is also a great opportunity to join in with societies. This can sound daunting but so many students go to societies completely by themselves at this time of the year to try them out. It's a great way to meet others who are interested in the same things. I went to three different society sessions by myself in first year and I was anxious when going in but very quickly calmed as many others were in the exact spot!

I would also say it's ok if you don't find your friends and societies straight away. I made my friends a little bit after freshers and it all fell into place.

I'd also urge you to take really good care of yourself during this transition period. It's normal to be nervous but make sure you practice self care and lean on your support whether that's your parents or the university wellbeing team.

Does this help at all?

😃
Emily
Second Year Creative Writing

Reply 2

princessrx

4

Original post by Anonymous

i move in less than 2 weeks and im absolutely terrified. im scared of the academics, not being able to keep up with the workload and finding everything difficult. im terrible in social situations so i have no idea how to socialise there. my parents are a bit overprotective so i am not independant at all so idk how i'll cope without them. i havent had much alcohol in the past, not because i dont want to but because i dont get invited to parties or dont have friends to go out with, so i feel like im stuck between the type to go out during freshers and the type to stay in. im just so so scared and i dont understand how anyone can be excited about this and im dreading it so much idk how to calm the nerves

I was the same way when I started. To add to that I was an international student who came from a very strict religious background so I totally get it.

First week is freshers week so no lectures and stuff. Look at the events they have going on through your Uni’s freshers FB group or on their website Decide on which will suit your interests and which are you comfortable with. Plan an event for each day of the week. Try even put in an event that will put you outside you comfort zone a bit.

As for academics read the module descriptions and start planning on what the best way for you to tackle the material will be. Also you might consider meeting an academic advisor from your student union or your academic tutor. They can guide you. Don’t be afraid to ask them anything. Everything you tell them is in confidence so don’t be afraid.

Reply 3

University of Bradford

Official Rep

18

Original post by Anonymous

i move in less than 2 weeks and im absolutely terrified. im scared of the academics, not being able to keep up with the workload and finding everything difficult. im terrible in social situations so i have no idea how to socialise there. my parents are a bit overprotective so i am not independant at all so idk how i'll cope without them. i havent had much alcohol in the past, not because i dont want to but because i dont get invited to parties or dont have friends to go out with, so i feel like im stuck between the type to go out during freshers and the type to stay in. im just so so scared and i dont understand how anyone can be excited about this and im dreading it so much idk how to calm the nerves

Hey! I'm sorry to hear you're feeling terrified about starting university, but hey it's completely normal!! I was soo scared too, and struggled with anxiety and making friends, but you will soon feel settled in and feel more comfortable with this new chapter in your life.

There'll be plenty of events and activities you could get involved in, and tons that don't revolve around drinking at all, so you can attend the ones that you want and start with something that makes you feel most comfortable. Maybe it's something like a movie night, afternoon tea, a weekly walk. Your students' union will have a variety of different events and opportunities to get involved in, there'll be something for everyone 🙂

Like Emily said below, a society would be a good place to start, because there'll be people who have that similar interest to you, so already you've got a small talk starting point! Societies will usually hold events throughout the year too so you don't have to worry about whether you'd get an invite, because everyone will be invited to attend!

In terms of keeping up with the workload, I had the exact same fears and concerns, but your uni will have support services in place to help you like an academic skills advisor who can go through your work with you and offer advice and feedback. Your personal tutors are there to support you, and listen to any concerns you have about the work etc. You will not be alone during your time at uni, there'll be plenty of people who are always around to help in any way they can.

The things that help my nerves are meditation, practicing mindfulness, breathing exercises, getting stuck into a good book and yoga. I also like to watch a good TV show and watch YouTube to distract my mind from how I'm feeling. Also, if you can speak to any loved ones about how you're feeling, hopefully they can give you a shoulder to lean on and offer advice and support.

Wishing you the best of luck with your university journey, I believe in you! You've totally got this, and are more capable than you think.

Becky

Reply 4

YSJstudents

Official Rep

15

Original post by Anonymous

i move in less than 2 weeks and im absolutely terrified. im scared of the academics, not being able to keep up with the workload and finding everything difficult. im terrible in social situations so i have no idea how to socialise there. my parents are a bit overprotective so i am not independant at all so idk how i'll cope without them. i havent had much alcohol in the past, not because i dont want to but because i dont get invited to parties or dont have friends to go out with, so i feel like im stuck between the type to go out during freshers and the type to stay in. im just so so scared and i dont understand how anyone can be excited about this and im dreading it so much idk how to calm the nerves

Hi!
I felt very similar to you when I started university, the best advice I was given is to see everything as an opportunity. For example, this is a great opportunity to learn to be independent, it's a great opportunity to figure out what you do and don't enjoy doing with your spare time.
In terms of academics, the lecturers ease you into university level work and are accessible for extra suppourt if necessary.
University really is what you make it, so have a think about what your ideal university experience would look like. If that is going out to all the socials and drinking - get involved! But if it's not and you prefer societies and friends who want to stay in or do different activities - there will be plenty of this too!

Hope this helps! Faye 🙂

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