At this time of year, thousands of young people across the country will be preparing to leave home for the first time and make the transition to university. For some, this is an exciting time of freedom and independence, and they will quickly adapt to the new environment. However, other students may be feeling apprehensive and uncertain about what lies ahead.
Here’s a look at some of the common challenges facing new students, how to recognise signs that this might be causing anxiety, and coping strategies that can help to make the most of this potentially fun and rewarding stage of life.
What challenges do new students face?
The transition to university is the biggest life upheaval most young people will have experienced. Leaving behind a familiar home, friends and family to live among strangers in a new town can cause a sense of displacement for even the most confident. Old support systems will not be on hand and a greater degree of self-sufficiency will be needed.
The academic pressure and workload of university is a significant step up from school, requiring more independent study and longer hours. This can add to the stress of being in an unfamiliar environment. Some students may also struggle with social anxiety and find it hard to form new friendships.
The student may have a persistent feeling of dread, withdraw from activities, have trouble sleeping or concentrating in lectures, and may develop physical symptoms such as tension headaches.
Strategies to help students cope
Manage expectations
The biggest source of pressure can come from the students themselves. Often, academically gifted young people set very high standards for themselves and may be prone to perfectionism. Social media can give the impression that all students are out clubbing or at parties every night, while still managing to ace their essays and exams.
This can lead to feelings of disappointment and inadequacy if a person feels they are not living up to the image of the typical lifestyle. However, in reality almost all students struggle with some aspect of their university life, and it can take time to properly settle in. Therefore it can be helpful to challenge high expectations and set smaller more realistic goals.
Have structure
Planning a daily routine can help students who have few contact hours at university. Make time to exercise, eat healthily, and relax as well as to study. Set daily goals for academic work to avoid last-minute panics when an essay deadline suddenly looms.
Reach out
Take opportunities to connect with other students, whether through joining a club, using peer support programmes, or just making the effort to smile and start a conversation with someone new.
Remember that eventually most students will manage to settle in and even enjoy their university experience. It’s a time of personal growth when you are free to explore your interests without the burdens of adulthood, and you will have new experiences and meet interesting people who might become friends for life.
If your feelings of anxiety are becoming overwhelming, our Manchester-based therapists are able to offer you tailored support to help you navigate this challenging life transition.