The End

It is finally over. Seven days and nights of ‘The Famous Freshers Week’ have come to an end. The reality of having to do a degree settles on to your shoulders. The first few weeks after freshers can pose very difficult challenges to our mental health. Being aware of what those are and how to combat them would have made such a difference for me as a fresher so hopefully this is of some help.

Post- Freshers Blues

 For those lucky enough to have loved every second of freshers week then itÔÇÖs end can bring about a sort of ÔÇÿpost-holiday bluesÔÇÖ feeling. Having had such a long summer away from education can make the return to it seem far more difficult. Paired with the fact you have spent the last week partying with no responsibilities, this fact can be daunting.

It is important to remember why you came to University in the first place. Of course, the social aspect is a huge contributor and what can make university so fun. However, you came for your degree. You should be doing a subject that you really enjoy and are interested in. Without sounding too clich├®, although fresherÔÇÖs week is over you do still have things to look forward to. Starting your course and settling into a routine over the next few weeks will start to make Cardiff feel like your home. That sense of place and stability will do wonders for your mental health and although having to start work may not be the most exciting thing- it will bring its own perks.

 Giving yourself something to look forward to can help to find the light at the end of the tunnel. Plan a day trip or grab a friend and a go to a sports club or society. Even buying your reading list and starting on that can help you shift your mindset and re-motivate yourself for learning rather than partying.

 Running out of time to settle in

 Many people emerge at the end of fresherÔÇÖs week in a panic. Feeling as though they didnÔÇÖt make all the friends that they thought they would or had as much fun as they should have done. The end of freshers therefore marks the perceived end of opportunities to do so. Emphasis on ÔÇÿperceivedÔÇÖ. Despite the claims of its reputation, fresherÔÇÖs week is not the highlight of your university life, neither is it an accurate representation of the future. The majority of people have not found their ÔÇÿforeverÔÇÖ group by the end of freshers.

There will be people on your course you havenÔÇÖt even met. There will be friends of friends that you meet, even ten weeks in that you get on with. You can join societies at any point during the year, just because you didnÔÇÖt sign up at the fresherÔÇÖs fair it doesnÔÇÖt mean the doors are completely closed. It is such a common misconception that fresherÔÇÖs week reflects what university is like, when in reality that is completley false. Consequently, if the cause of your post freshers slump is because it didnÔÇÖt live up to expectations then you must rationalise your feelings. They are based on assumptions and you shouldnÔÇÖt have to feel disheartened as a result.

Physical Causes

 As much as we hate to admit it, a week at university with no responsibilities and total freedom from our parents often leads to poor health decisions. Many of us binge drink throughout the week. Following this up with hungover fast food and sleeping until the afternoon. It is no surprise that after a week of doing this we do not feel our best. Sometimes all we need is an early night, a pint of water and a bowl of vegetables to feel better. I know for me I threw in a facemask and fresh sheets to really top the whole thing off.

You are not going to feel your best with seven daysÔÇÖ worth of partying in your system and sometimes getting back on track with your physical health can work wonders for your mental one. Unfortunately, it is not always so simple but the principle of looking after yourself is never a harmful one to adopt for the future.

The post freshers slump can affect any of us and many of us. Like always, if you notice your mood remains low for a long period of time then do not hesitate in reaching out to a friend, family member or the university services:

wellbeingandcounselling@cardiff.ac.uk

+44 (0)29 2087 4844

ÔÇ£Grey skies are just clouds passing overÔÇØÔÇô Duke Ellington