The usual rules apply for maintaining a base level of well being: make sure that you get enough sleep, eat well, and get outside regularly (rather than festering in your room or the library)
In an ideal world, your university years would be a time for worry-free exploration and adventure, given solely to expanding your mind with new knowledge and experience.
This is not usually the case inreality. Major challenges and setbacks might affect your level of confidence.
To keep yourself upbeat and focused, consider these four tips.
1. Break down your challenges
Try employing the same skills that you use for your studies to solve your problems.
Create a mind-map of your concerns. This can help to clear your mind and identify where your lack of confidence is coming from. Get a big piece of paper and pen and get it off your mind as you write. Don’t try to edit your thoughts; just get them onto the paper, however small or daft they might seem. This will help your subconscious to identify your true feelings.
Approaching challenges as a series of small steps can be helpful. It’s really difficult to think of passing an exam. That’s a very big thing to do and it can be intangible and daunting. Instead, break it down into a series of achievable goals: think ‘OK, I’ve got an exam, so that means I need to revise. What would a good day’s worth of revision look like?’ – and do that. This works for all kinds of issues.
2. Find the right social life
Don’t feel pressured to conform to the stereotype of spending all your free time clubbing or downing alcohol (regardless of what your housemates and friends are up to). If the party lifestyle isn’t your thing, try finding a new social landscape. There are a lot of students who aren’t into going out all the time and they are in much a bigger group than they might think.
Societies and clubs are a great way to meet new people and find things to do that aren’t just about drinking culture. You know yourself best. If you know you don’t enjoy clubbing, for example, ask yourself what you can do that will be fun and enjoyable.
3. Get a mentor
When you’re feeling like you can’t manage, it’s helpful to remember that others have been in the same position – and survived.
Current students can play a vital part in welcoming new students and sharing their own experiences. This helps to reassure them that they are not alone and that many before them have felt exactly as they do at the start of this new chapter in their lives.
4. Share your problems
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s easy to hide away. But the simple act of sharing your worries with peers can make a world of difference.
Reach out to friends and fellow students, because they will be going through the same things. The key to coping with the difficulties of university is to talk about them. You are surrounded by people who can relate to you and what you are going through, so don’t suffer in silence.
Above all, be kind to yourself. Release some of the pressure you’ve put on yourself. We’re usually our own worst critics. Congratulate yourself for every action you take; success is built from many little achievements and your confidence will grow with each step.
