Managing back to uni anxiety
Moving back to university is a big adjustment, especially after the disruption that the coronavirus pandemic has caused to university life during the last academic year. You may find yourself experiencing heightened levels of anxiety during this time.
It is important to remember that there are things you can try to help minimise your anxiety and make your transition back to university go as smoothly as possible.
Since coronavirus measures have been eased, universities have been able to make their own decision about how to manage coronavirus on campus. This means that the university you attend might have different rules to other ones. For example, you may have to wear face masks in indoor spaces or engage in regular lateral flow testing. To find out which rules your university is putting in place during the pandemic, you will need to contact your university directly or check the rules on their website.
Work out what it is about returning to university that causes you to feel anxious, so that you can begin to plan coping strategies. Give yourself time to settle in at the start of term and adjust to life back on campus.
Managing anxiety about your degree
If you are worried about how you will cope with your workload and academic pressure, take steps to help yourself by not leaving things until the last minute. Creating a work schedule is an extremely useful way of doing this. This will help you to balance your university work with your other commitments, and to challenge any negative thoughts you may have about falling behind. Also, make sure that you are aware of when your deadlines fall so that you can start to work on them in plenty of time.
If you find things starting to become overwhelming, contact one of your tutors to discuss what you are struggling with, as well as different strategies to deal with these problems. If your anxiety is significantly affecting your ability to complete your university work, your tutor may suggest that you apply for special considerations or a deadline extension.
Looking after yourself
Having a release for your stress, or a time when you aren’t thinking about your degree, is hugely important. Prepare coping methods that you find to be effective in managing your anxiety, such as listening to music or practising mindfulness. Promoting healthy habits in your daily routine, such as a regular sleep schedule, will also make it easier for you to do things like stay on top of your workload, in turn helping to manage your anxiety levels.
Communicating your feelings
It is important to remember that while at university, you are surrounded by students who are going through similar experiences. Talking about your problems will help you feel less isolated and alone, and you may find that your friends feel the same way and that you can help to support each other. If this doesn’t work, consider whether you need to seek extra support for your anxiety. For example, accessing a counselling service within your university or contacting your GP. Visit Young Minds for more information on where and how you can find support for your anxiety while at university.
Further advice and resources
Office for Students - ‘Student guide to coronavirus’ details the latest practical guidance on returning to university for the start of the academic year 2021/22.
Priory - ‘How to cope with anxiety at university’ provides self-help tips for dealing with anxiety, including examples of how anxiety may affect you in specific situations at university and how these situations can be managed.