New in the student life

The new academic year has begun, and thousands of students have started their studies. It's both an exciting and challenging time, often filled with many mixed emotions. In this post, I'll share some practical tools that can help you as you begin your studies.

Starting university – an exciting new chapter, with new knowledge, new relationships, and a new daily routine. Many experience feelings of passion and drive because everything is new and exciting. But at the same time, the experience can be nerve-wracking and uncomfortable. There are many new things to adapt to: the curriculum, new locations, unfamiliar people, different and new expectations for your own learning, increased responsibility, exams, and performance.

These are significant changes. The transition to university involves not just academic, professional, or practical shifts but also substantial emotional, social, and personal changes. It's completely normal, though it can feel very overwhelming.

Emotions

There is often emotional and psychological challenges associated with being a new student. These may include:

• Feelings of insecurity and anxiety in new environments
• Worries about fitting in and forming relationships
• Fear of failure and not living up to expectations

This is all completely normal and something most people experience to some degree when they start a new education. It can be helpful to remember that it's not just you feeling this way – it's something most people feel. Give yourself the space to feel everything – it's not dangerous or wrong; it's entirely normal and completely understandable.

Boundaries

Many students, especially new ones, may feel as though they always need to be doing something related to their studies. A sense of guilt often creeps in when starting university – it certainly did for me and for almost every student I've encountered during my academic life. This seems to be the reality for many, and it can be hard to find peace with it. Here are some practical tools that might be helpful:

• Setting boundaries: Block out "working hours" in your calendar each day, and make sure to rest when your study day is over.
• Breaks: Be sure to take breaks during the day – you can even schedule them into your calendar.
• TA DA list: This is the sister of the TO DO list. Instead of listing what you need to do, write down what you have accomplished today. This can help make your efforts more visible and make it easier to relax afterward.

There isn't just one way to be a student, and what works is highly individual. Tune into what works for you and what you need.

Self-care

It's important to remember to take care of yourself during this transitional phase. It is overwhelming, and it takes a lot of energy to manage all the changes that are happening.

• Find time to relax, for example through reading (non-study related), creative activities, spending time in nature, or simply relaxing on the couch.
• Talk to others about how you're feeling so you can release some of your thoughts and emotions.
• Prioritize time for exercise, as it has a calming effect on both the body and mind when we move and engage in physical activity.
• Make sure you get enough food, water, and sleep, so you have the energy to absorb all the new experiences.

Acceptance of the process

Starting university is overwhelming. There are many new experiences, relationships, expectations, and knowledge, and it's not easy to take it all in at once. That's why it's important to recognize that this is a tough process, and you won't learn everything at once. The journey is as much about getting to know yourself as it is about learning your subjects. Take it one day at a time, and trust that you will figure out what works for you in your student life – it will get easier.

Finally: Remember to be kind to yourself and put down the "whip." It is hard, and that's completely normal and perfectly okay. You're not alone in finding it challenging. You're doing well, and it's okay to take care of yourself.

If the pressure of your studies becomes too difficult to manage on your own, feel free to reach out for a no-obligation conversation about how I can help you.