Living in halls anxiety

I’m probably undiagnosed neurodiverse as it runs in my family and I have an extreme fear of fire alarms. I absolutely hate them going off and will take as many precautions as possible to avoid the weekly fire alarm testing in my flat.
I’m lucky I live in catered accommodation so there’s less chance of people accidentally setting it off from burning food. However they do a drill every semester and as it’s the start of a new semester, I’m incredibly stressed. Last time they did it before 8am and now I can’t sleep because I don’t want it to wake me up. I understand my fear has gotten ridiculous at this point. I cannot relax without wearing ear plugs and now it’s gotten to the stage where I barely sleep just from worrying about it. The exhaustion is affecting my mental health and having an impact on my ability to concentrate in lectures and seminars.
I’m aware it’s really silly but I don’t know what to do. Nobody around me seems to understand and I feel so ridiculous. I’ve tried everything to make myself feel more relaxed but I’m genuinely on edge the whole time, waiting for the drill. I really don’t know what to do. I’m half tempted to skip out on my lessons for two weeks and go home because I can’t cope with the stress. What should I do?
Many thanks

I’m probably undiagnosed neurodiverse as it runs in my family and I have an extreme fear of fire alarms. I absolutely hate them going off and will take as many precautions as possible to avoid the weekly fire alarm testing in my flat.
I’m lucky I live in catered accommodation so there’s less chance of people accidentally setting it off from burning food. However they do a drill every semester and as it’s the start of a new semester, I’m incredibly stressed. Last time they did it before 8am and now I can’t sleep because I don’t want it to wake me up. I understand my fear has gotten ridiculous at this point. I cannot relax without wearing ear plugs and now it’s gotten to the stage where I barely sleep just from worrying about it. The exhaustion is affecting my mental health and having an impact on my ability to concentrate in lectures and seminars.
I’m aware it’s really silly but I don’t know what to do. Nobody around me seems to understand and I feel so ridiculous. I’ve tried everything to make myself feel more relaxed but I’m genuinely on edge the whole time, waiting for the drill. I really don’t know what to do. I’m half tempted to skip out on my lessons for two weeks and go home because I can’t cope with the stress. What should I do?
Many thanks

First of all, I am so sorry you are feeling like you are stuck in this situation. It is really horrible to be constantly on edge all the time.
I know someone who was in a similar situation and they got in contact with the people who organised the fire drills and were then able to be informed when they would take place.
I think you should try to explain your situation to someone in charge of the accommodation, and ask them to tell you when they will be doing the fire drills. That way you can make plans not to be in the accommodation when they happen or will at least be prepared and will not be woken up by it. You can also ask advice from your college/uni advice services, they should be able to support you as well.
I hope it all goes well,
Evie (final year medic at UoS)

Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear you're going through this.
As it's been suggested, getting in contact with your accommodation and those that organize these drills would be the best idea, as it gives you a chance to prepare for one or remove yourself from the environment beforehand.
I'd also highly recommend contacting the support and well-being services at your university, especially as this is now impacting your degree and ability to concentrate in classes. They might be able to help you contact with the correct people above, and can also support you through this and any other worries in the future.
I hope this helps,
Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography with a Year Abroad

I’m probably undiagnosed neurodiverse as it runs in my family and I have an extreme fear of fire alarms. I absolutely hate them going off and will take as many precautions as possible to avoid the weekly fire alarm testing in my flat.
I’m lucky I live in catered accommodation so there’s less chance of people accidentally setting it off from burning food. However they do a drill every semester and as it’s the start of a new semester, I’m incredibly stressed. Last time they did it before 8am and now I can’t sleep because I don’t want it to wake me up. I understand my fear has gotten ridiculous at this point. I cannot relax without wearing ear plugs and now it’s gotten to the stage where I barely sleep just from worrying about it. The exhaustion is affecting my mental health and having an impact on my ability to concentrate in lectures and seminars.
I’m aware it’s really silly but I don’t know what to do. Nobody around me seems to understand and I feel so ridiculous. I’ve tried everything to make myself feel more relaxed but I’m genuinely on edge the whole time, waiting for the drill. I really don’t know what to do. I’m half tempted to skip out on my lessons for two weeks and go home because I can’t cope with the stress. What should I do?
Many thanks