Heading off to university? You’ve probably heard that you’re about to have the time of your life, and for good reason. There are so many positive and exciting things about going to university, from exploring a new city to living with your mates. However, as with all big changes, there can also be challenges.

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Going to university is a major life transition. You’re usually moving away from your family and friends, meeting new people and finding a new routine, all while balancing your studies. All of this change can be overwhelming and stressful, and you might notice an impact on your mental health.  

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Mental health issues aren’t uncommon amongst students. The charity, Humen, surveyed 7200 students and found that 47% of them felt that mental health difficulties had negatively impacted their university experience. Although it’s likely that some of these conditions were pre-existing, it’s also true that university invites certain struggles, such as:

Feeling lonely

Not everyone will click with the people they meet at university instantly. It may take some time to find your crowd.

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If you’re struggling to gel with the people around you, you might feel lonely and isolated. This can be really disheartening, but try not to panic. There are plenty of people who are in the same boat as you and there will be lots of opportunities to make friends, whatever year you’re in. Think about it - did you make all of your school friends on the first day? Why not try joining a society, club or a sports team to find like-minded people?

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It’s also a good idea to stay in regular touch with your family and your friends from home. Just because you’re living in different places doesn’t mean that they can’t be in your life. Schedule in frequent video calls and stay active in the group chat. Read more about how to combat loneliness here.‍

Comparing your experience

There’s an expectation that people will have an amazing time at university, which creates a lot of pressure to have the ‘perfect’ experience. This means that when things don’t run smoothly, it can be really disappointing.

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These feelings are exacerbated when comparing our experiences with others on social media. You might see your friends posting about all the fun they’re having at their university, which can make you feel as though your experience isn’t ‘good enough’.  

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Remember that social media is a highlight reel and not necessarily an accurate representation of a person’s life (do you post your worst moments as often as your best?). Plus, just because you’re not having ‘the time of your life’ right now, doesn’t mean that there aren’t good times to come.

Financial stress

For many people, going to university is the first time that they’ve had to pay for their rent, food, bills and so on. Managing your finances and learning to budget can be overwhelming and you may find it difficult, especially with the cost-of-living crisis and prices going up.  

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The Student Space offers advice on money problems and you can also use this budgeting planner to manage your money.

Adjusting to a new routine

University brings new-found independence which is exciting but can take some getting used to. You’re suddenly in charge of managing your own time with no parents or guardians to answer to if you stay out late or don’t clean your room. This can mean that it’s easy to fall into bad habits if you’re not careful.

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Things like eating well, getting plenty of sleep, going to bed at a regular time and exercising aren’t just good for your physical health, they benefit your mental health, too. Make sure you’re incorporating them into your new routine and leave time for studying as well as socialising.

Academic pressure

On top of moving away, meeting new people and finding your new pace, there’s also the small matter of your studies. Most people find that university work is a step up from sixth form and college which can be an unwelcome realisation.

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And, the further you get into your course, the more your grades begin to matter. You may find that keeping up with coursework, revision and exams is stressful and all-consuming, which can impact your wellbeing.

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The key is organising your time and breaking your tasks down into manageable chunks. And, don't be afraid to ask for help from your tutors if you need it. It’s also important to take time away from your work to wind down and recharge your batteries. Read more tips on managing stress here.

If you’re struggling with your mental health…

Talk to someone about how you’re feeling. It’s best to address mental health issues early on before they get out of hand. You should also find out what mental health support is available at your university and use it if you need to. In the case of a mental health emergency, you can call The Samaritans 24/7 for free on 116 123.

Read more tips about looking after your mental health at university here.

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ieso offers online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to treat a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD and more. Find out more about what we do on our website.