Beginning university is an exciting milestone, but at times can also feel overwhelming. The advice in this blog comes directly from University of Cumbria students who have already travelled the path you’ve started and shared their experiences with the Mental Health and Wellbeing team.
Looking back, these students reflected on what they wish they had known in the early weeks of settling in to university.
Remember: It’s Normal to Feel Nervous
Starting university means stepping into unfamiliar territory. You may have left home and be adjusting to academic expectations. As an Apprentice student, you may be returning to study after some time away whilst continuing to meet the demands of your employment.
While excitement is often part of the experience, it’s completely normal for fear and uncertainty to creep in too. If you’re feeling nervous, remember this: you are not the only one. Many of your fellow students are feeling the same way, even if they don’t show it.
Try Not to Compare Yourself to Others
One of the biggest challenges new students face is comparing themselves to those around them.
The truth is that everyone arrives at university with a different story, different experiences, and different challenges. There is no fair way to compare your journey with someone else’s.
If it looks as though everyone else is coping effortlessly, finding everything easy, and thriving without support, remember that appearances can be misleading. What you see on the outside is not always the full picture.
Take Things One Step at a Time
The start of university often comes with a huge amount of information and new responsibilities.
It can feel like you need to understand everything immediately, but nobody expects that from you.
Give yourself permission to learn gradually.
When things feel overwhelming:
- Pause and take a breath.
- Write down the tasks you need to complete.
- Put them in order of priority.
- Focus on one thing at a time.
And remember, asking for help is always an option. Staff are here to help, and students often give and receive support from one another. This can help build relationships with your peers.
Reach Out and Build Connections
University offers many opportunities to meet new people and create meaningful friendships.
Sometimes this means saying “yes” to opportunities that feel slightly outside your comfort zone. Each time you challenge yourself, your confidence grows a little more.
If invitations aren’t coming your way yet, don’t be afraid to take the initiative. Invite someone for a coffee, suggest a study session, or organise a small social activity like going to watch a film. Most people appreciate being included and may return the invitation in the future.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Many new students feel uncertain during their first few weeks and months at university.
Adjusting to university life is a process, not something that happens overnight.
Nobody expects you to have everything figured out immediately. You are not supposed to be the finished product. You are exactly where you need to be at the beginning of your university journey.
Practise Self-Care and Self-Compassion
Many of us can be our own harshest critics.
Sometimes our inner voice can be unkind, telling us we’re not doing enough, not achieving enough, or somehow falling short. Over time, these thoughts can affect our confidence and wellbeing.
The antidote to self-criticism is self-compassion.
Looking after yourself is not selfish or indulgent. Self-care is essential. Taking care of your mental and physical health helps you manage challenges, maintain motivation and enjoy your university experience more fully.
You’re Not on Your Own
When things become difficult, it can sometimes feel as though you’re facing challenges alone.
But support is always available.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. At the University of Cumbria, using all the resources available to you is seen as a personal strength and something that will likely enhance your university experience in many ways.
Speak to someone sooner rather than later. Getting support early from Student Services can often prevent a problem from becoming larger or more overwhelming.
Remember that your support network may include:
- Friends and fellow students
- Family members
- Academic staff
- Professional university support services or those external from university.
You do not have to manage everything by yourself.
Helpful Resources
- For details about the mental health and wellbeing support services offered at university visit the webpage of the Mental Health and Wellbeing team.
- Register for Togetherall– a FREE 24/7 online wellbeing platform
- The Live Well Learn Well Blog provides information, advice and guidance
to students on how to thrive at university
- Live Well, Learn Well: Achieving Study-Life Balance Workshop – sign up here
Final Thoughts
Starting university is a major life transition, and with any transition comes a period of adjustment. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small achievements, and remember that everyone is finding their way.
You are good enough. You belong here. And most importantly, you do not have to face the journey alone.
