Uni 101: Dealing with Common Concerns

So, you’re starting university for the very first time or you’re returning after a well-deserved summer break. You may be feeling a range of emotions at the moment whether that’s excitement or anxiousness and that is completely normal.

We’re going to break down some common worries and feelings that you may be experiencing and give you our top tips on how to overcome them.

Imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome is feeling like a fraud or doubting your abilities. I know loads of people that have experienced this feeling after receiving their A-Levels and then you’re suddenly specialising in one subject (or two if you're doing joint honours). It's so different to sixth form/college as you’re now in a new cohort and you may find you’re not at the top of your class anymore. But remember you have the qualifications to make it onto your course and you deserve to be there as much as anyone else! Don’t let that self-doubt eat you up!

Top Tips

• Share your feelings. Talk about what you’re experiencing and question any negative thoughts you may have.
• Stop comparing yourself.
• Write up a list of all your abilities and accomplishments. That list is longer than you think it is.

Struggling to find friends

Another feeling you may have before starting university is loneliness or the fear of not making any friends. We’ve all had that feeling, especially when starting somewhere completely new.

Top Tips

• Join a club, society or media outlet.
• Remember everyone is in the same boat as you.
• Plan things to look forward to and keep yourself busy.
• You can always reach out for support if that’s from friends/family or the University's Wellbeing team.

Homesickness

Homesickness is another one we’ve definitely experienced whether that’s from a school trip or staying round a friend’s house for the first time. You’re bound to feel slightly out of sorts, waking up in a room you’ve just moved to and around new people. This is normal! I won’t lie to you; it will take time for you to settle in but you will eventually feel comfortable.

Top Tips

• Bring something that reminds you of home.
• Don’t go back home in Term One or at least wait until Study Week!
• Make your room as homely as possible - interior design is the way forward, be careful with the blu tac though!
• Call your family/friends from home every now and again

Feeling overwhelmed

Freshers' Festival is going to be a jam-packed week with everything from nights out to trying out a new sport/society. And it can be a lot! Especially being around people 24/7 who are just as excited as you about starting uni. It is very easy to get run down quickly (and that’s when Freshers' Flu will get you) when you’re attending as much as you can and making new friends. Below I’ve included a couple of top tips on how to prevent that burnout.

Top Tips

• Self-care! Remember to leave time for yourself, rest that social battery!
• Get to the root cause, and ask yourself what is making you feel overwhelmed.
• Talk to someone! Don’t bottle it up, it’ll only get worse.

Positive feelings

We’ve covered a lot of the common worries/feelings so what about the good feelings?

Excitement

Proud

Independence

Adventurous

And I’m sure there are many more!

Remember, there are so many people to support you! Your family and friends as well as the services here at Royal Holloway, including the SU Advice Centre (advice@su.rhul.ac.uk), University’s Wellbeing team (wellbeing@rhul.ac.uk), and your school and lecturers!