Starting college and studying in a university far from home comes with a bittersweet feeling for most students. However, it’s considered a tradition of the path into adulthood, and with this milestone comes autonomy, exploration and personal development.
Those students who struggle with anxiety, though, leaving for college can fill them with nervousness. They are moving out from the comfort of family and friends to a place of uncertainty, where interacting with strangers is inevitable. In addition, the college environment recognises heavy demands on social routines. Making new friends, class presentations, group projects, and regular interactions with individuals can be a challenge.
That’s why we’re here to help. So keep reading this article and find out our top tips for dealing with social anxiety at university.
- GET ADVICE FROM MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
We recommend you do this before heading to university if you’re commencing your first year. However, if you’re already stuck in college life, make sure to get checked up quickly once you detect your anxiety manifestation starting to affect your everyday life.
Asking for help can be challenging, but GPs, mental health professionals are trained to help you go through it, and they can give you advice that you can just search on the internet.
- START JOURNALING TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Journals are a thoughtful way to record how you’re feeling and your progress over the coming weeks as you train to better yourself and your anxiety.
Think about investing in a wellness journal online or looking up journaling anxiety prompts on Google. This can act as a stress-management tool and get you thinking about your thoughts and feelings in a practical light.
- KEEP CALM & TURN YOUR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS INTO POSITIVE THOUGHTS
Negative thoughts for university students who suffer from social anxiety can have a lasting effect, and it’s essential not to let them get in the way.
If you’re worried about situations that bring you out of your comfort zone, we urge you to focus on turning these negative thoughts into positive ones.
- COMMUNICATE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
It’s super important to stay closely connected and in contact with loved ones whilst you’re away during university. So let them know how you’re feeling, whether you’ve had a good week or felt it dragged a little. They will help you feel connected and less isolated, especially if you’re struggling.
The power of social media and apps gives you independence during university, which you shouldn’t take for granted right now.
- MEET NEW FRIENDS ONLINE FIRST TO MAKE SITUATIONS EASIER
Throughout your childhood, you’ll have made connections with many friends through school or even from outside hobbies, but coming to university is a whole different world. University presents unique challenges, and making companions is one of the many you will encounter.
Hopefully, universities and colleges will do everything they can to help you find the perfect bunch of pals, from organising freshers events to ice breakers on courses. But, it can still be challenging if you don’t thrive from situations such as these.
So for college students, we highly recommend meeting friends online to help make the transition a little easier. Also, don’t forget the fact that before joining a course, you might be pitched into Facebook group communities with others starting at the same time as you, or there may even be conferences online for you to mingle with other students on your course.
- JOIN A COMMUNITY
Dealing with physical symptoms of social anxiety can impact your everyday life, such as making friends, and this is a crucial part of uni life that you shouldn’t be missing out on.
We know that every person has a hobby or something they enjoy doing aside from studying and university tasks. So whether it be a popular activity or something a little more calming, such as knitting or blogging, there’s something for everyone out there. Finding others who appreciate and enjoy the same thing as you can help lessen your social anxiety.
Also, interacting and chatting with other college students to whom you can connect, relate and communicate makes it more comfortable to become friends. Sparking conversation shouldn’t be demanding, and it allows you to dissociate yourself from the pressure of studying for a little bit.
- PREFER A SUITABLE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION WITH A COMMUNITY SENSE
Student Accommodation is a significant factor, as it’s your home away from home during the university year. Making sure you choose the right one is a crucial step in your move, so why endure an average accommodation if you could afford 5-star student accommodation?
Here at StudentFM, we’re committed to providing exceptional service from start to finish. Our tenants may be from all walks of life, but they all have one thing in common – the desire to rent superior student accommodation and experience the higher standard of living that comes with it. In addition, we have friendly on-site admins who’re up for chatting throughout your stay. They’re here to make you feel welcome and part of a lifestyle that includes everyone.
We have student accommodation across the UK, offering a variety of flats to suit your needs. So whether you’re after a studio apartment with exceptional amenities or fancy stepping out of your comfort zone and choosing a shared flat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. No matter your prefered location, building and studio, we’ve got you covered.
