You’ve got your grades, confirmed your place at university, packed your bags, and now it’s real—here you are! It’s a time full of hope, with the possibility for new friendships, for independence, and for new learning that will help shape your future. But perhaps, alongside the excitement, you notice some other emotions quietly tagging along in the background.
Mixed Emotions Are Normal
You might feel thrilled in one moment and overwhelmed the next. You might be counting down the days to move in, while also wondering if you’ll fit in, make friends, or be able to cope with the workload. These conflicting emotions don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong; It’s okay to feel a lot of things at once, and your emotions don’t have to make sense to be valid.
A New Transition:
Even an eagerly awaited new stage of life, can stir up feelings of uncertainty. You’re stepping into a new environment, often away from familiar people and support systems. This may bring feelings of sadness, or homesickness, even when you find yourself with opportunities for expanding your social world.
The Pressure to “Get It Right”
You may have heard from nostalgic parents, relatives or even teachers that your time at university will be “the best years of your life!” That expectation can create pressure to enjoy every moment, make lifelong friends, and adjust quickly to new ways of studying. The reality is that each of these facets of university life can bring its own challenges.
You might feel lonely at times. You might question your course choice. You might miss home more than you expected. These experiences don’t mean you’re failing—they’re part of the process of adjustment to this new life.
Here are 8 Tips to help ease the Transition:
- Give yourself permission to feel: There’s no “right” way to experience university. Anxiety, and uncertainty, and sometimes sadness, are all normal and valid feelings.
- Create a comfortable living space: even if you live in a single room, your space can play an important role in supporting your wellbeing. Meaningful keepsakes from home, can add touches of comfort and help to ease homesickness. Defining zones in your room, for sleep, study and relaxation will also help your brain to switch between these modes.
- Join a club or society: Freshers' Week is a great way to explore new interests and meet new people at the same time. If you’re not ready to commit right away, most clubs will welcome new members later in the term, when you’re feeling more settled.
- Stay in touch with existing friends: Continuing to nurture connections with supportive friends, can be an important source of comfort and reassurance as you adjust to university life. Staying in touch with friends who are also settling into university life, can create a space for mutual support through your shared experiences.
- Build a daily routine: It’s a good idea to start small and aim to keep it manageable. A simple daily routine can create a scaffold that grounds you emotionally, with the predictability helping to calm your nervous system.
- Don’t compare your journey: Try to keep an open mind around what you see on social media, which rarely shows the full picture of other’s experiences. Everyone will be adjusting at their own pace; give yourself time to find yours.
- Reach out early: Whether it’s to a flatmate, peer group, tutor, or your university pastoral or wellbeing service, getting timely support, help and advice will make you feel less alone.
- Don’t forget self-care: Treat this as a foundation for thriving. Good sleep, regular healthy meals and exercise, help improve your mood, concentration and memory, as well as boosting emotional resilience and physical health. An evening ‘wind down’ routine, with screen free time and relaxation will also help prepare you for a good night’s sleep.
You’re Not Alone
It’s not unusual as a student to grapple with a range of confusing and conflicting emotions. Therapy can provide a space to explore these feelings without judgment. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, loneliness, or simply adjusting to change, support is available.
If this post resonates with you, you don’t have to navigate this transition by yourself. University is a place where you will grow, and at times stumble, as you find your own way.
Sharon Green Counselling