By Hannah Stait

 

Starting Uni can be worrying (and by that I mean absolutely bloody terrifying) to most, especially if you suffer with anxiety as I do. Whether youÔÇÖre about to begin your first year, second or even final year of your degree – donÔÇÖt fear – because I have been through it too and I have tips to make it easier for you. Organisation is key and the best thing to do is write yourself a list for everything. Packing for halls – list. Getting supplies for your course – list. Need to know how much vodka to buy – list. You get the picture, anyway,

It sounds dull but things like lists can make sure you know what youÔÇÖve accomplished and what you still have to do, itÔÇÖll save you time and you wonÔÇÖt have any of the ÔÇÿoh god IÔÇÖve forgotten somethingÔÇÖ feeling.

One of the important things to note is that whatever youÔÇÖre doing, your mental health should always come first. Make sure when you begin the uni year that youÔÇÖre registered with your local GP and get yourself registered with the uni wellbeing team. You can get an appointment with the click of a few buttons and if you struggle with your mental health like I do, this team could be of big importance to get you through the hard days.

Just remember that when those assignment deadlines are coming and youÔÇÖre struggling to find your feet in the chaos of it all, that you are not alone in it all. As cheesy as it sounds, there are hundreds of students feeling the way you feel, they get it. So donÔÇÖt be afraid to talk to people if things are getting tough, because believe me when I say that everything will work out in the end.

For me, the scariest part of going to uni was wondering how IÔÇÖd get to know people. Anxiety can be cruel and for this reason I looked to societies and clubs – after all, why not get to know people who share your loves and passions? For me especially, when I started my course I was quiet, withdrawn and I felt like I wouldnÔÇÖt find my place. After going to the freshers fair, I found Quench and suddenly it was like I knew where I was meant to be.

Uni suddenly became more fun than stress and I wasnÔÇÖt worried anymore. The best news is – thereÔÇÖs a society for absolutely everyone and if there isnÔÇÖt one for you, you can try to start one!

University shouldnÔÇÖt be something you feel you have to do, it should be something that you look back on and go ÔÇÿI have absolutely no regrets.ÔÇÖ

So go to freshers events, join that society, knock on your roommates door and take those chances you never know, it could be the best thing you ever do.

DonÔÇÖt get me wrong, starting uni can be scary as hell but if you prepare.. Hey itÔÇÖll still be scary but at least youÔÇÖll have a little bit of weight off of your shoulders. They never said University was easy, the struggle is most definitely real but there are ways to make it easier, so donÔÇÖt worry – IÔÇÖve got your back!

 

If youÔÇÖve got any worries, or youÔÇÖre struggling and want some advice, send your agony aunt a message, IÔÇÖm sure sheÔÇÖll be able to help!

To ask a question or get some guidance, send a question here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemTVqw98oCd8U5OfdOYKUbnTUOdvdE49LWOWM3MEbcXw67hw/viewform