Wednesday 9 March 2016

ADVICE: UNIVERSITY FEARS AND WORRIES!

Today I thought I'd share with you a post about University. Although I am enjoying it now, it wasn't like this at the beginning. Truth be told, my anxiety makes me worried and scared about attending uni sometimes, and I know many people will be in the same boat, be it their already in further education, or waiting to start in the near future. Thus, I thought I would share with you my experience of uni so far, and a few ways to keep the nerves away! And I thought it fitting to include a photo of my friends from uni and I taking a trip out to Starbucks, I never thought in a million years that I would be making friends, it just goes to show that it does get better. Oh and Starbucks always make the perfect Insta photo, wouldn't you agree?


For me, uni was always on the cards. It was always there at the back of my mind. The end of sixth form was coming closer and we were left with the daunting questions of "what do we want to do in the future?". I think schools do put a lot of pressure on people, and there seems to be such a high expectation of people going into further education, but if that's not for you, then don't let that define you. I know plenty of people who went out and found work instead, or went on to find apprenticeships, uni is not the be all and end all, but if you do want to go or are already there, hopefully this post helps in some way.


I was ecstatic when I found out the news I got into uni, I was pumped to start, but also very, very nervous. It is only recently (5 months in) that I'm starting to fall on my feet and become a little more confident. At the start, I didn't talk to anyone, anyone but my friend Holly who I've known since nursery and just so happens to luckily be on the same course as me! I felt sick at the prospect of meeting new people, being in a totally different place, it was such a frightening experience, and up until recently I've dismissed the idea of me ever fitting in, and ever making friends. However, I have had the pleasure to get to know a few people and become friends with them, but I'm still so shy and anxious, but one thing I will do is push those fears out of the way for the most part, and at least smile and say hello to others in my class. It's not a major step, but for me it's something, it's something that at the beginning of the year, I never thought I'd be able to do.

MAKING FRIENDS 
This for me is one of the hardest things to do, and I've let my anxiety and worries get the better of me over the years. So one thing I have to include is try make friends, especially on the first day of uni as that is when everyone is in the same boat, no one knows each other, and all they want is to make friends too. You've got nothing to worry about, I guarantee people will be over the moon if you even break out a smile or say hello. I personally never attended any Fresher event (I'm so anti-social) but I know this is a great way to meet new people, and because I live at home I haven't had the pleasure of meeting new people in a flat, but if you do decide to move out for uni, you'll be able to make friends in your flat, all I see on Facebook is cool flat parties, and photos of them all having a laugh. It makes me slightly sad that I didn't move out (but it totally wasn't for me, if you want me to do a collab with my fellow blogger bestie, about uni home vs away, then do let me know!)

GRADES!I have never felt stress and anxiety quite like it. Straight away I was bombarded with essays, reading and practical work. A positive of this is that it pays off, I saw the results from putting in a lot of hard work, and I came out smiling. I am so pleased with my grades, especially as it was my first time doing work to university standard! My advice is start early, check out your recommended reading list and hit the library before you even start! This helps with my confidence dramatically, and I feel like I'm not trailing behind everyone else. Have faith in yourself, if you put the hours in and try your best, then you will succeed. You'll see progression as you go along, so even if you aren't happy at the moment, things will get better.

SPEAK UP
I'll raise my hand and be honest here. I haven't spoken to anyone at the university when I have anxious thoughts and worries. But I know there are counsellors and people to talk to, which is something I recommend you do. It's easier said than done, that's why I haven't done it yet. But this year my goals are to improve my mental health and be more positive, so if I promise to talk to someone, will you?

If you're at university and think it's not for you, then there's nothing stopping you from leaving. I mean, have a serious think over first, would it make you happier if you quit? If you're not sure what to do, then again speak up and talk about your problems and worries, whether this be a friend, family member, a tutor, a professional. If you feel like you're on the wrong course, then see if you can change. If you aren't at uni yet and still deciding what to do then weigh up your options. Ask yourself where you want to see yourself in the next few years, maybe take a gap year if you're unsure, find work, or travel the world. Do what your heart desires. And if your heart desires uni, then take the leap and apply!

If you're in the same boat as me, and feel nervous, then trust me, it will get better. I think after a while everything becomes routine, you'll start to feel more comfortable, and hopefully more confident. I'm really hoping uni is the answer to my confidence and positivity, I want this experience to not only knowledge me in my chosen area of study, but to knowledge me of who I am, and what I can accomplish and achieve. It's about the journey not the destination. So wherever I end up after my three years of studying, I hope I'm happy, that's all that matters. I hope I continue to be happy at university.

Let me know in the comments below if you're currently in education or not, are you travelling the world, do you have a job? Share your experiences with me in the comments below! XOXO B.
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17 comments

  1. Great post, so confused when it comes to my future education and what to do but will hopefully make up my mind in the end :)

    http://thefashionconvert.blogspot.co.uk/
    http://secretbeautylife1.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Thank you hun, and awww I hope you make the right decision, just pick the option that you'd be most happiest doing xxxxx

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  2. Lovely and insightful post especially for new comers at the start of next semester. I am half way through my last semester of second year law and I definitely found that finding a great bunch of friends really helps to boost you along. Thanks for sharing, I will be sure to let any of my followers who will be starting University to check out this post for guidance and help:)

    www.kirstyjennifer.com

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    1. Thank you darling!! that means so much to me awww!! xxxx

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  3. This post was so helpful! I felt the same with 6th form! As soon as I found a good group of friends I felt so much happier and more comfortable!

    Rebecca x | staticnova.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Aw thanks darl! And that's good to hear! It deffo gets more comfortable when you make friends, it makes me feel so much more positive xxx

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  4. I found University very different to sixth form when I started, not only was the work a lot harder but you have to decide what direction to take your work so it's a lot of figuring it out as you go along. I'm glad it's working out for you :)

    Velvet Blush

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    1. Deffo the work is INSANELY harder hahaha, thank you love :)

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  5. I have been obsessed reading posts about uni and what it feels like to be in one. In 2,5 months I will be out of school and will need to make a decision to go or not to go to university. For now, I feel like I want to go and the only struggle is that I am still debating what I really want to study. I have few options, but I am still not sure about them. And the next thing that makes me anxious as hell is that I am freaking scared to enroll into uni!! I know I will break down in the first month, I am not social, I get anxiety attacks when facing social situations and let's say that my making friends skills are at their lowest.
    I know it will be so hard for me and I don't know if I will be able to make it for 4 years straight. We shall see. And I'd also loved to read your post on home vs away :) It would be helpful for me and I think for a lot of people.

    I wish you just the best, Becky. You're an amazing person and it's so good to hear that uni life has become better for you :) x

    -Leta | The Nerdy Me

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    1. Aw that's such a scary but exciting opportunity that awaits you. Whatever decision you make I hope its one that makes you truly happy!! That's nice though that you have a few options of what you want to study, least you have a few to choose from, and it shows you have an interest in a lot of areas! I am not social either, but honestly it does get better. If I can feel more calm and enjoy uni, then you can babes, I know what it feels like to worry and get anxious, I can't believe I'm at uni tbh, I hope if you do go uni you make a lot of friends, everyone is in same boat and will want to talk to you, just smile and look happy and approachable, they'll probably all come to you! Thank you for that lovely I'll deffo have to do one! You're so kind Leta, aw, all the best for your future lovely!!! xx

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  6. Hey hun. I'm not at uni, never went and was never on the cards to be honest. I was never a school person and as soon as I turned 16, I left and went onto work instead. I do think at that age we are far too young to make up our minds. I never knew what I wanted to do and still don't really have an idea of what I'd love to do as a career if I had to choose. Always fancied working in a mental health hospital, or event planning. I do sometimes feel like maybe I missed out on not going to uni, but then if I did I prob wouldn't have met my amazing boyfriend whom I've been with for 6 years and I wouldn't change that for anything! A part of me would like to go back into education, but not only would I not know what to choose, but worry pops into my head too. I would always be worried about meeting new people there etc. but this post has helped push those thoughts aside. Now I just need to decide IF I do want to go. Good luck in your studies hun.

    Love Hannah xx

    HannahHawes.com

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    1. Heyyyy darling!! Deffo, I sometimes feel too young at 19 to be making decisions about my future haha, so for people still in school it's so so difficult! That job would be amazing, helping other people is always a benefit and will make you feel happy. Thank you so much!! Honestly if I can get through uni you can get through anything haha as I'm the biggest worrier ever. I hope everything works out for you all the best for the future Hannah, you deserve so much happiness xxxxx

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  7. This post was so helpful! I feel exactly the same way, I start uni in september are after a year out. Which turned out to be a terrible idea, I'm now so out of touch and literally drowning in these anxieties. It's always good to hear people feel the same and that it dies get better :)

    Courtney
    wonderofdreams.blogspot.co.uk :)x

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    1. Thanks babe!! Aw, I'm sorry to hear that.. I hope things get better for you, it'll be nice for you to start uni and meet some new friends! and yes deffo does get better, keep believing and don't give up, push yourself through it, you'll feel happier coming out of your comfort zone! xx

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  8. Ahhh I'm going to uni in September and I'm already kinda anxious! I'm like you; more on the anti social, but I'm determined to put in a lot of effort at Freshers! Because I'm living in halls I'm hoping that way I'll meet some nice people but it's really daunting!! X

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    1. Aw fingers crossed for you, I hope you love it! It's great that you're living in halls and going to freshers, I have every faith that you will have a fab time and make lots of friends :) xxxxx

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  9. I'm a very anxious person and the thought of going to uni is really quite scary! I know I am definitely going to try and go though! It's quite funny because I have a friend called Holly and we both want to try and get into the same university because we want to stay with each other... we aren't the best at speaking up and making new friends!
    Aleeha xXx
    http://www.halesaaw.com/

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