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Let’s talk about something that’s affecting more and more students these days: mental health at university.
It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a real issue that a lot of students are facing, and it deserves more than just a passing mention.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just plain stuck, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into what’s going on and, more importantly, what you can do about it.
The Reality of Mental Health at University
You’ve probably noticed how everyone seems to be talking about mental health lately. It’s on the news, social media, and even in your uni’s newsletters.
But let’s be real—how often do those conversations actually lead to change? It can feel like there’s a lot of talk and not enough action.
And while all that talk is happening, students’ mental health is quietly getting worse.
Anxiety, in particular, is something a lot of students experience. It’s not made up or an “excuse.” It’s real, and it manifests in different ways for everyone.
Is Student Anxiety Real or Just an Excuse?
It’s absolutely real. Anxiety can creep into your life at uni in so many ways. Let’s break it down:
- Social Anxiety: Struggling to fit in, constantly feeling judged, or avoiding social events altogether because they’re just too overwhelming.
- Inferiority Complex: Thinking everyone else is smarter, more talented, or just better than you. This eats away at your confidence and makes you feel like you don’t belong.
- Study Anxiety: Feeling completely overwhelmed by the workload to the point where you can’t even start. Sound familiar?
- Exam Anxiety: The closer the deadlines or exam dates get, the worse it feels. Your brain goes into overdrive, making it hard to concentrate or perform well.
- Future Anxiety: Worrying about what comes next—jobs, careers, life after graduation. It’s like a cloud hanging over your university experience.
What’s Being Done About Student Mental Health?
There’s definitely been progress. Most universities now offer counselling services, and mental health awareness has improved a lot in recent years.
But let’s face it: sometimes, those generic tips like “get more sleep” or “eat healthily” just don’t cut it.
Talking to a counsellor can help in the moment, but what happens when you’re alone in your room, and the anxiety creeps back in? That’s when it’s up to you to take charge.
How to Help Yourself First to Improve Mental Health at Uni
Here’s the hard truth: no one cares about your mental health as much as you do. It’s not because people are heartless—it’s just that it’s your life, not theirs.
You’re the one who has to live with it. That’s why the best way to start tackling anxiety is by helping yourself.
Let’s look at some practical ways to deal with the different types of anxiety you might face:
Dealing with Social Anxiety and Inferiority Complex
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Heard that one before? It’s true. Stop comparing yourself to other students—it’s a sure-fire way to feel worse.
Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and you’re probably downplaying your strengths without even realising it.
If you’re scared of what people think, try this: act like they’re not watching. Most of the time, they’re too busy worrying about themselves to notice what you’re doing.
Be yourself. Talk about your interests, even if you think they’re weird. You’d be surprised how many people share your passions. And remember, the best friendships often come from the most unexpected places.
🔗 Related: Check our guide on How to Build Confidence at University & Beat Social Anxiety
Tackling Study and Exam Anxiety
The uni workload is no joke, but here’s the thing: stressing over it won’t make it disappear! Start small. Set tiny, manageable goals like :
- “today I’ll study this subject for 30 mins, then I take a break and after I revise the past lecture of this other subject for other 20 mins”
- “today I aim at 1 or2 full hour(s) of quality study time, the objective is to learn and understand this particular topic(s) fully”
Once you start, it gets easier. And hey, it doesn’t have to be perfect—sometimes “organised chaos” works just as well.
If you’re stuck on an essay or assignment, break it into chunks. Write the introduction today, do some research tomorrow. You’ll find your rhythm, but you have to start somewhere!
Coping with Future Anxiety
Worried about life after uni? Join the club. But here’s something to keep in mind: the job market ebbs and flows.
Just because things look tough now doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way. Focus on what you can control.
Build your skills, network with people, and take things one step at a time. Remember, you’re not alone in this—everyone’s figuring it out as they go.
Why Talking About Mental Health Matters
Let’s break the stigma. Talking about mental health at university is crucial because it helps others feel less alone.
Sharing your story or struggles can inspire someone else to seek help. The more we talk, the more we normalise these conversations—and that’s a step toward change.
Turning Setbacks into Strengths
Maybe you’ve had a rough exam or felt out of place in a social setting. That’s okay. Every setback is a chance to grow.
Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, ask yourself: “What did I learn from this?” Use those lessons to move forward with resilience and confidence.
The Power of Small Wins
Sometimes, success is as simple as getting out of bed, attending a lecture, or cooking a meal for yourself. Celebrate those small victories—they’re proof that you’re moving in the right direction, one step at a time.
Final Thoughts: Take Care of Yourself
Dealing with mental health at university is tough, but you’re tougher. Start by recognising that you’re not alone, and take small steps to help yourself.
Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, breaking down your workload, or just taking a deep breath, every little bit helps.
Remember, you’ve got this. And if you ever feel like you need extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out—to a counsellor, a friend, or anyone who can help.
You’re never as alone as you think you are!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health at University
Signs include constant feelings of stress, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, withdrawing from friends, and feeling overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks.
Most universities offer counselling services, student support groups, and helplines. Don’t hesitate to contact your GP or mental health charities like Mind or Samaritans for additional help.
Keep in touch with loved ones, create a comforting routine, and explore your new surroundings. Homesickness is common, and building a support network at uni can help ease the transition.
Prioritise your time by creating a schedule that includes breaks, exercise, and time to relax. Remember, you’re more productive when you’re taking care of yourself.
Absolutely. Many students share this concern. Focus on building skills, gaining experience, and networking to prepare for your next steps. Seek career advice from your university’s career services.
Student essentials, everything you need for university!
We have ad-hoc essential lists for various facets of university life:
Student essentials, a day on campus;
Study from home essentials, the simple the better;
Student accommodation essentials, most useful & forgotten;
Kitchen essentials for university, self-catered halls and student flats;
Coolest gadgets for university students, innovative and useful; (perfect for gifts!)