By Ruth Cooper-Dickson

Cynthia del Rio, via Unsplash 

This summer you and thousands of other students will be preparing to embark on a new journey. Whether you’ll be staying at home or moving away, the exciting next chapter into adulthood will begin.

For those of you who will be moving away from home this can be hugely daunting; not only dealing with the pressure of university or college studies, but also trying to make new friends, navigating a new location, learning to support yourself on a budget and living with people you have never met.

Heading off to university or college can be exciting but also terrifying, as it is a life-changing event which can generate stress. Being able to respond and cope with the stress that happens during this period will provide you with greater resilience in the future. You may not realize you are stressed until you start to notice some of the physical symptoms that stress causes, such as feeling irritable, insomnia, tension headaches or an upset stomach.

Stress can lead to both serious physical and mental health problems if you do not support yourself in the best possible way. So, what are some of the ways you can prepare yourself to transition into your new life and mitigate some of the stress or anxiety which may be creeping in?

 

Here are five tips to slowly prepare yourself for your new academic adventure without adding to the pressure.

  • Attend university events over the summer

If your university has open days for your faculty or course over the summer then try to attend. It will be an opportunity to meet other students who will be on your course and some of the teaching staff. Being in a new environment can be daunting so you will be able to familiarize yourself with where you are studying and where your halls of residence are located. You will usually be able to view the accommodation in the halls of residence, which will help you see how much space you will have and to consider what you may want to bring with you when you move.

 

  • Pre-reading

You may have been sent a summer reading list for your course, but if not it is likely you will have an idea of some of the subjects you will be covering in your first semester. If the thought of stepping up to higher education or a new style of studying is making you anxious, it may help to have a look at some of the wider reading – but don’t overdo it! It’s a time to get excited for the new learning possibilities that will be opening up for you not add more unnecessary pressure.

 

  • Plan to visit friends and family

Moving away from your own support network of family and friends is a difficult decision, so firstly congratulate yourself on choosing to push yourself out of your comfort zone! If the thought of moving away fills you with apprehension, look at your semester timetable so you know when you will next be back at home. Plan in catch-up time with family and friends for something to look forward to. You may find that by the time the dates come around you will be so settled you won’t want to go back! If you and your friends are heading off in different directions, look forward to the fact you will be able to go and visit them in their new city.

 

  • Get organized

When we become overwhelmed it can help to prioritize or create a to-do list. Write a list of items you need to pack for your move. If you love shopping this is a perfect time to head to places like Ikea and stock up on the student essentials (read: cheap bottle opener and giant bowls which double as plates!). If you are going to find a part-time job whilst studying it might be a perfect time to contact local businesses or prep your CV so it is ready to send out when you first move. Make a list of what you will need to do during your first week on campus, from sorting your student ID card, opening a student bank account and taking part in Freshers’ week!

 

  • Enjoy your summer

Finally, simply relax and enjoy the time you have at home. This is an opportune time to indulge in some self-care, to reflect on all the hard work you have put into your studies to get this far. Enjoy your last summer before embarking on the next chapter of your life. If you are working over summer, know that building your cash reserves will help when starting your student life. Make fun memories with friends and loved ones by taking photos over summer, you can print and frame them for your wall to remind you of home whilst away.

 

Helpful resource:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/student-stress/

Ruth Cooper-Dickson

Ruth is the Founder of Champs, the wellbeing consultancy. A passionate Mental Health First Aider, she has voluntarily supported over 500 individuals and has her own lived experience of a mental health condition, being diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder.  Ruth supports global organisations on their wellbeing journey, helping them to create best practice on ingraining a culture of positive mental wellbeing for all their employees. She has become a respected thought leader, from publishing articles on positive mental wellbeing in the workplace, speaking at events (including at the House of Lords) and regularly delivers keynotes as a Patron of the national charity No Panic. Her passion is to encourage further engagement on the discussion of our mental health in the workplace.