How do you deal with feeling overwhelmed at university?
Hi!
University can be amazing, but sometimes it also feels like a lot — new people, new expectations, deadlines, pressure to do well, and trying to manage your own life at the same time.
Lately I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, especially during busy weeks. I know many students experience this at some point, so I’m curious:
What helps you cope when everything feels too much?
Do you take breaks, talk to someone, change your routine, exercise, or do something creative? I’m interested in practical advice and small habits that genuinely help, not just generic “stay positive” phrases.
Thanks to anyone willing to share!
University can be amazing, but sometimes it also feels like a lot — new people, new expectations, deadlines, pressure to do well, and trying to manage your own life at the same time.
Lately I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, especially during busy weeks. I know many students experience this at some point, so I’m curious:
What helps you cope when everything feels too much?
Do you take breaks, talk to someone, change your routine, exercise, or do something creative? I’m interested in practical advice and small habits that genuinely help, not just generic “stay positive” phrases.
Thanks to anyone willing to share!
Reply 1
Original post
by Anhelina01Hi!
University can be amazing, but sometimes it also feels like a lot — new people, new expectations, deadlines, pressure to do well, and trying to manage your own life at the same time.
Lately I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, especially during busy weeks. I know many students experience this at some point, so I’m curious:
What helps you cope when everything feels too much?
Do you take breaks, talk to someone, change your routine, exercise, or do something creative? I’m interested in practical advice and small habits that genuinely help, not just generic “stay positive” phrases.
Thanks to anyone willing to share!
University can be amazing, but sometimes it also feels like a lot — new people, new expectations, deadlines, pressure to do well, and trying to manage your own life at the same time.
Lately I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, especially during busy weeks. I know many students experience this at some point, so I’m curious:
What helps you cope when everything feels too much?
Do you take breaks, talk to someone, change your routine, exercise, or do something creative? I’m interested in practical advice and small habits that genuinely help, not just generic “stay positive” phrases.
Thanks to anyone willing to share!
Hey @Anhelina01 , this is a really great question and I am sure many people experience the same thing. Here are some genuinely helpful, realistic things that many students (including myself) find actually make a difference.
1.
The 10-minute reset:
1.
Breaking tasks into RIDICULOUSLY small steps
•
open the document
•
write the title
•
write one sentence
•
add one reference
It sounds silly, but momentum works and matter to me more than motivation.
1.
Low-effort social contact
1.
Realistic rest (unfortunately no doom-scrolling)
•
a short walk
•
a warm shower
•
a cup of tea
•
even just sitting outside for five minutes
I have learnt that your brain resets much faster this way.
1.
Have one non-negotiable habit
•
20 minute walk
•
making my bed
•
washing my face
•
journaling
It gives my days structure.
1.
Using my body
•
deep breathing
•
stretching
•
lying on the floor for a minute
•
calming music
•
grounding exercises
1.
Talking before things pile up
1.
Remembering that overwhelm does not mean you are failing
Coping is not about being endlessly positive. It is about finding tiny, manageable habits that pull you back into the present when everything feels too much. Even the smallest strategies can create a huge sense of relief when your mind is on overload 🙂
Ru
BCU student rep.
Reply 2
The insights written above is fantastic.
In addition, if you still feel overwhelmed and need to talk to someone and general advice:
There is a lot of support out there such as:
-The Samaritans, you can call 116 123, which is available 24 hours a day
-Mind, 0300 123 3393
-Saneline, 0300 304 7000, from 4.30pm-10.30pm
-The mix, 0800 808 4994, 11am-11pm
-SHOUT, text 852258, 24 hour text service
-Crises, 741741, text service
-Papyrus, 0800 068 4141, if you have thoughts of suicide or in emotional distress
-Rethink mental health, 0300 5000 927
-No Panic, 0800 138 8889
-Relate, they have a chat advisor
-NHS mental health, 111
-Side by side: https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/ (online community help)
-Kooth, www.kooth.com, a chat, message website
-7cups, www.7cups.com, 24/7 online chat
-Support line, 01708 765200, email: [email protected]
-Anxiety UK, 03444 775 774, 9:30am to 17:30pm Mon to Friday, a text service 07537 416905
-Young minds, www.youngminds.org.uk
-Calm, calm.com
-Mental Health 24/7: 0800 008 6516
-Young minds, text "YM" to 85258, for free, 24/7 support
-hubofhope website, useful contact information for your local area.
-Nightline, usually run by your university
You can self refer yourself to talking therapies on the NHS website.
Young minds website has a variety of information for mental health, from anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress to loneliness etc.
Heads above the waves website has great information, advice and resources regarding a variety of mental health issues.
Calm app
Headspace app
There is the mind forum
Also Facebook groups
You can join support groups
There must be sanctuary hubs based on your local area
You can contact a crises team if things get very bad
Plenty of resources online, infor mation regarding well being.
Natural methods such as taking a walk, talking to a friend, exercising, engaging in a hobby
In addition, if you still feel overwhelmed and need to talk to someone and general advice:
There is a lot of support out there such as:
-The Samaritans, you can call 116 123, which is available 24 hours a day
-Mind, 0300 123 3393
-Saneline, 0300 304 7000, from 4.30pm-10.30pm
-The mix, 0800 808 4994, 11am-11pm
-SHOUT, text 852258, 24 hour text service
-Crises, 741741, text service
-Papyrus, 0800 068 4141, if you have thoughts of suicide or in emotional distress
-Rethink mental health, 0300 5000 927
-No Panic, 0800 138 8889
-Relate, they have a chat advisor
-NHS mental health, 111
-Side by side: https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/ (online community help)
-Kooth, www.kooth.com, a chat, message website
-7cups, www.7cups.com, 24/7 online chat
-Support line, 01708 765200, email: [email protected]
-Anxiety UK, 03444 775 774, 9:30am to 17:30pm Mon to Friday, a text service 07537 416905
-Young minds, www.youngminds.org.uk
-Calm, calm.com
-Mental Health 24/7: 0800 008 6516
-Young minds, text "YM" to 85258, for free, 24/7 support
-hubofhope website, useful contact information for your local area.
-Nightline, usually run by your university
You can self refer yourself to talking therapies on the NHS website.
Young minds website has a variety of information for mental health, from anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress to loneliness etc.
Heads above the waves website has great information, advice and resources regarding a variety of mental health issues.
Calm app
Headspace app
There is the mind forum
Also Facebook groups
You can join support groups
There must be sanctuary hubs based on your local area
You can contact a crises team if things get very bad
Plenty of resources online, infor mation regarding well being.
Natural methods such as taking a walk, talking to a friend, exercising, engaging in a hobby
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