The Student Room Group

Stressed about uni

I’ve just moved into uni and i’m really stressed out. i don’t know anyone here and i have no idea what to do with myself. i’ve never been away from home for more than like 3 days and i can’t stop crying. we have a flat meeting tomorrow at 4 but i’m scared that i won’t be able to make any friends because i absolutely suck at making conversation. i really just want to go home but i know i can’t. if anyone has any advice i’d be really grateful.

Reply 1

Everyone there is going to be in the same situation as you - although some may be finding it easier than others. I am assuming you have met some of your flatmates already? Maybe it would help to share your feelings with them.

Reply 2

Once you get going on 'real' stuff and not just the moving-in weekend, you will meet lots of other people, so no need to over-worry about 'friends' quite yet. It'll happen, don't worry. The first weekend is weird - it isnt how its going to be longer-term, honest.

Tip - every day write yourself a sticky note about something nice that happened. Walking through autumn leaves, something silly someone said, an interesting moment in class, you discovered the best toasted sandwich on campus etc. Stick all the sticky notes on the wall. After a couple of days, you will have positive things to look at and think about instead of feeling worried about it all.

Reply 4

discomfort is to be expected for the first few weeks .. just be yourself, and you will find some people :smile:

Reply 5

Original post
by Anonymous
I’ve just moved into uni and i’m really stressed out. i don’t know anyone here and i have no idea what to do with myself. i’ve never been away from home for more than like 3 days and i can’t stop crying. we have a flat meeting tomorrow at 4 but i’m scared that i won’t be able to make any friends because i absolutely suck at making conversation. i really just want to go home but i know i can’t. if anyone has any advice i’d be really grateful.


If you don't mind me asking, what uni are you at because I'm starting tomorrow and I'm so anxious, particularly about being away from home!

But honestly I'd say it will be really difficult but go down to your flat in the meeting and try be yourself. Hopefully someone else will be able to start conversations and then you can join in! Everyone is a stranger to everyone so that should mean everyone will be trying to make friends and I'm sure it will go well! Goodluck ❤️

Reply 6

Original post
by Popcornthepuppy
If you don't mind me asking, what uni are you at because I'm starting tomorrow and I'm so anxious, particularly about being away from home!
But honestly I'd say it will be really difficult but go down to your flat in the meeting and try be yourself. Hopefully someone else will be able to start conversations and then you can join in! Everyone is a stranger to everyone so that should mean everyone will be trying to make friends and I'm sure it will go well! Goodluck ❤️

Hey i’m at keele uni and thanks so much for the advice! Good luck to you I hope it goes well tomorrow xx

Reply 7

Original post
by redslsa
Hey i’m at keele uni and thanks so much for the advice! Good luck to you I hope it goes well tomorrow xx


Thank you!! I hope it gets better for you!! ❤️
Original post
by Anonymous
I’ve just moved into uni and i’m really stressed out. i don’t know anyone here and i have no idea what to do with myself. i’ve never been away from home for more than like 3 days and i can’t stop crying. we have a flat meeting tomorrow at 4 but i’m scared that i won’t be able to make any friends because i absolutely suck at making conversation. i really just want to go home but i know i can’t. if anyone has any advice i’d be really grateful.

Hey there,

I've been in your shoes, but with me it was an absolutely new country haha. The main thing to understand is that everyone is in the same situation as you. They also most likely feel anxious and worried that they will not make any friends (even if they look super "cool" and confident from the outside). Be open and be yourself - and everything will be good :smile:
Also consider joining some student societies as this is where most friends are made from my experience.

Take care,
Ilya,
Cyber Security student at De Montfort University :smile:

Reply 9

Original post
by Anonymous
I’ve just moved into uni and i’m really stressed out. i don’t know anyone here and i have no idea what to do with myself. i’ve never been away from home for more than like 3 days and i can’t stop crying. we have a flat meeting tomorrow at 4 but i’m scared that i won’t be able to make any friends because i absolutely suck at making conversation. i really just want to go home but i know i can’t. if anyone has any advice i’d be really grateful.
Hey!

First off, what you’re feeling is so much more common than you probably realise…moving away from home for the first time is a huge change, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. You’re not alone in this at all.

I didn’t move away for uni myself, but I did move away from my family and hometown at 18 for work, and those first few weeks were tough. The thing is, everyone around you will also be new, not knowing anyone, and probably just as nervous about making friends. Flat meetings and freshers events can feel intimidating, but they’re actually one of the easiest places to meet people because everyone’s in the same boat and looking to connect.

A little tip, you don’t have to be the world’s best conversationalist to make friends, even small things like asking someone where they’re from, what they’re studying, or if they want to grab food can go a long way. Most people will be grateful that you broke the ice.

Keeping in touch with your family regularly and planning trips back when you can really helps with the homesickness. Also, try bringing little comforts from home (photos, blankets, snacks you love) to make your space feel familiar.

And honestly, if you find the stress and homesickness is getting too much, please reach out to your uni’s wellbeing team. That’s exactly what they’re there for, and it’s so much better than trying to struggle through it alone. Never suffer in silence, talking to someone can make a huge difference!

Good luck moving forward! Just be yourself and you’ll find your place. Sophie 🙂

Reply 10

Original post
by Anonymous
I’ve just moved into uni and i’m really stressed out. i don’t know anyone here and i have no idea what to do with myself. i’ve never been away from home for more than like 3 days and i can’t stop crying. we have a flat meeting tomorrow at 4 but i’m scared that i won’t be able to make any friends because i absolutely suck at making conversation. i really just want to go home but i know i can’t. if anyone has any advice i’d be really grateful.

Hi there,
I am so sorry to hear about your difficulties adjusting to uni life. Living alone for the first time in a new environment can be quite overwhelming, but bear in mind that many people will be in the same boat as you. 🤗 Meeting new people or going for social events for the first time can be nerve-racking 😪, what's important is that you are willing to try and make new friends.
Wishing you the best of luck in the new academic year and give yourself some time to adjust.

Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)

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