Getting Started for uni – Againnnn!!
Hi guys! Hope you guys had a great summer with a well-deserved break after your A Levels. First of all, a big WELCOME to the readers who are going to become a part of #LboroFamily. You have probably made the best decision in your life! I can guarantee that you will definitely enjoy the coming three years of university studies. Following my last blog with my graduation from undergraduate studies, it is likely that I am going to have my second graduation in three years’ time!!! I am so delighted to tell you that I’m starting my PhD research degree in civil engineering in coming October. Therefore, in some sort of sense, I am a fresher again.
Like all of you guys, starting a new semester may be challenging. It may be the first time for you to leave home and go to a completely new place to start your three years of unknown journey. You may feel anxious and uncomfortable about what is going to happen with little doubts and dramas happening in your brain. Being a former fresher, I am going to share three main tips in coping with anxieties in the early days of university life.
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Know your neighbours
The first thing you do upon arriving to Loughborough is not going to lectures or going out. However, it is settling you in the hall of residents or houses. Once you arrive at your halls, you are automatically immersed in a new social circle. You may feel uneasy to open the chat lines with your hall-mates. However, bear in mind that they are not monsters or anyone who is going to judge you.
They are also in the same boat as you do and they may also share the same feeling as you do. Man up and go knock on your flatmate’s door and introduce yourselves. He/she living next to your room may then become your best friend to get you going in your next three years school life. You never know what is going to happen until you take the initiative! It is also a pretty good idea to write your name and stick that in front of your door to demonstrate that you are open for a conversation!
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Do Sports
As a sports university, Loughborough not only caters the need for elite athletes but also newbies in sports. One of the easiest ways to make friends and immerse into the community is by joining sports programme through myLifestyle or interest classes. Doing exercise is a natural way to release endorphins, which is a chemical interacts with the receptors in your brain to make you feel happier. With that positive feeling in your body, you will naturally fight against the anxiety piling up in your mind.
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Attitude and Well-being
As a fresher, the attitude to be in the present is what it matters. Do bear in mind that the first year of studies only contributes to a small part of your studies. The purpose of this year is designated to enjoy life, be stupid and have lots of fun as well as getting a little taste in new ways of education. Therefore, it would not be optimal if you have a huge bearing of studies in your mind.
I have made the same mistake as well and thought education was everything. Until I finished my undergraduate period, I have realised how stupid I was and I should devote more of my energy in having fun. Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to tell you not to study. Courseworks still need to be completed haha. With this mindset, you will not feel the guilt to go out with friends and enjoy yourself completely.
To maintain a good wellbeing, I have found out that meditation is a good way to relax in stressful and nervous periods. You can go to YouTube and there are loads of guided meditation videos that you can listen to and free up your mind and body. If it gets more serious, the university offers a lot of mental service support to assist you in difficult times.
Above were my little thoughts about coping with the anxiety associated with the unknowns of starting university. Bye from now as I am going to continue my part-time research with the university. Hope this little article can make you guys feel more ready and excited towards the new semester!!
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