Moving to uni is a huge lifestyle change and if you suffer from anxiety it can be even harder to adjust. Even those who may have not felt anxious before can begin to feel uncomfortable, nervous or left out. Here are six ways to try and cope with the craziness of starting uni if you’re fighting anxiety.
1. Make your room a happy place
Moving into a new room at uni is so exciting: you have the chance to make it totally your own. You will probably spend quite lot of time in your room whilst getting ready for nights out, chilling with flatmates and studying, so it’s really worth spending some time making it as homely as you can. Pinning up photos of your friends and family is a great way to remind you of home. Printing motivational quotes or inspirational pictures can also give your room a positive feel. It’s also great to put little knick-knacks around your desk and shelves to give your room a lift: maybe a dreamcatcher, some cute pillows or the classic student fairy lights. These can be fun things to buy in Exeter even after you’ve moved in and shopping around will help you explore your new city! Your room should be a safe, peaceful space where you can go if everything gets a bit too much and be reminded that there are happy, beautiful things in life. Working hard to make your room a fun, relaxing, personal space will be so worth it when you get to come back to awesome digs at the end of a long day. Also, your new friends will love hanging out with you there!
2. Join societies
There are over two hundred societies at Exeter: from pole-dancing to politics, feminism to folk. Societies are wonderful ways to meet people with similar interests to you, who you wouldn’t have the chance to meet otherwise. It can be scary to go to a society if you don’t know anyone. However, often if you find a society related to something you’re really passionate about, the people there will be like you and will be fab friends to have. If you missed out on signing up during the Freshers’ Fair, it’s not too late: you can sign up to lots of societies online, or just try to get involved in the socials if you don’t think you can commit to weekly meetings. Being brave and joining a society is a fantastic step to take on the road towards meeting people at uni who have the same hobbies or passion as you. Also, if you find yourself getting anxious about going to new/different social situations, your fears may be a little bit lessened if you know that the focus of the evening will be something you really love, like (for example) Harry Potter.
3. Keep in touch with family and friends from home
With all the new people you’re meeting and course information you’re learning, the first few weeks of uni can be quite overwhelming. Regularly checking in with your favourite people from home is an excellent way to stay grounded and top up your day with love. Not only would it help you to see/hear friendly faces/voices, they’d love to know what you’ve been getting up to as well. Knowing that you’re going to Skype your parents or BFF in the evening can be a great motivator for you throughout the day; it might encourage you to be bold and try out for a club or chat to a new group of people so that you have something exciting to report home about!
4. Know that you’re definitely not alone
It’s so easy to think that everyone at uni has already fallen into tight friendship groups, is loving their course and is on their way to becoming president of every society they’ve joined! The truth is, everyone is probably feeling scared. Every fresher has moved into new accommodation, with new people and a new routine, and you will absolutely not be the only one who feels concerned before a lecture, or homesick some evenings. Feeling nervous as you begin uni is completely normal – you’d be superhuman if you had absolutely no worries and 100% loved it all the time! What’s important is that you know that you’re not alone. Try to talk to a trusted housemate or course buddy if you’re feeling anxious, or a Residence Life Team member who you can speak to in confidence. If things are not improving, it may be worth contacting the uni Wellbeing Centre who can help you further.
5. Say yes!
It’s soo tempting to spend every night in your pjs infront of Netflix, as for many struggling with anxiety the thought of a night out is scary. But saying ‘yes’ to an invite to the Imperial or a dance sesh at Unit 1 could lead to fantastic memories and a night of fun you won’t forget. Try to be brave and go out with your flatmates. Often spending time with people can be the biggest mood booster and make you feel part of something special.
6. Take time for yourself
In these busy weeks, it’s also so important to remember to take time to just do nothing! The previous tips are so important and will definitely help you make friends – but it’s equally important to show yourself some love by unwinding and chilling out. Put on your favourite music, make a big mug of hot chocolate, slap on a face mask and have some ‘me time’. It’s definitely advisable to try and socialise when you can, but never feel guilty for indulging in some alone time, when it can be great to clear your head and relax.