Nervous about returning to uni?

Hopefully, if you’re heading back to university this January to begin your second term, you’re excited. However, I know from personal experience that the return after your first Christmas home can be a tricky one.

If you’re having any kind of doubts or nerves at all, that’s ok.

I’m writing this because that’s what I needed to hear.

For some, thoughts of returning to uni are unappealing because of exams, or because Christmas has reminded them how much they love being at home.

For some people, that apprehension runs a lot deeper, and it can be something people struggle to talk about.

Personally, I think one of the very worst things about university is everyone telling you it will be ‘the best years of your life’. There are many amazing things about the university experience. But that’s all anyone speaks about, so if you don’t feel that way, it can be a confusing time.

Why am I the ‘only one’ not loving it?

Why am I having these doubts?

Why do I not feel like the people I’ve met so far will be best friends for life?

Why am I not the happiest and most excited I’ve ever been, as well as excelling in everything I turn my hand to, both on my course and in extra clubs and societies?

If you’re having those kind of questions, you can feel pretty isolated.

It’s ok to think those thoughts.

It’s ok to need to process these thoughts.

University is a massive step and a big life change, and not everyone will adapt to it within days and enjoy the best moments of their life on a weekly basis.

That doesn’t make you abnormal.

Go back in January knowing that whether you’re excited, nervous, or a total mixture of the two, that’s more than ok.

You’ve got time to figure things out.

When I headed back in January of my first year I was not happy. My living situation was bad. My sister was in hospital (she’s totally fine now). My course was challenging.

But I went back. And did I love my university experience? Unfortunately, no I didn’t.

But did it improve a little? It did.

And I learned so much about myself.

The good times and the hard times at university are hugely valuable, and help form who you become as you mature, and the decisions you make.

Embrace it, enjoy it, and allow yourself those wobbly moments.

You’re not the only one.

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