Savanna Hoffman
University can be an exciting yet challenging time, with many students experiencing stress due to exams, coursework deadlines, finances, and social situations. Stress is a natural feeling that can motivate us to work hard, but excessive stress can lead to mental health issues and impact academic performance. It is important to recognise the signs of stress and develop effective coping strategies. This may involve seeking external support, practising self-care, engaging in mindfulness activities, connecting with others, or learning time management and study techniques. Additionally, students may face rejection during the university application process, which can be emotionally challenging. It is crucial to process these emotions healthily and maintain a positive outlook on future opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Address issues in the moment | Try small gestures to interrupt poor choices, like standing next to a student's desk if they're talking during class |
| Deal with dangerous behaviours immediately | If a student is hurting themselves, another student, or making threats, intervene immediately |
| Communicate a positive classroom environment | Be sensitive to students' feelings, encourage class discussion and collaboration |
| Address underlying problems | Identify any underlying issues, such as health, home, or academic difficulties, and address them appropriately |
| Display empathy | Listen to students' concerns, but also hold them accountable for their behaviour and grades |
| Build trust | Foster a real, working, functional student-teacher relationship |
| Make learning compelling | Use engagement strategies to make lessons interesting and relevant to students' lives |
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What You'll Learn
Managing finances
Understanding Costs and Budgeting:
Before starting university, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the costs involved. Different universities and cities have varying living expenses, so research the specific costs associated with your chosen institution and location. Consider the cost of accommodation, utilities, food, transportation, and other essentials. Create a detailed budget that outlines your expected expenses and sources of income, such as student loans, grants, or part-time employment. Prioritize essential expenses like rent and utilities over discretionary spending.
Student Loans and Funding:
Student loans are a common source of financial support for university students. Familiarize yourself with the loan application process and eligibility criteria. In the UK, students can apply for Tuition Fee Loans, Maintenance Loans, and Maintenance Grants through Student Finance. Remember that loan arrangements can vary depending on your region, and you may need to reapply for funding each year. Keep your details up to date, as changes in circumstances can affect your loan payments.
Scholarships, Grants, and Emergency Aid:
Explore opportunities for scholarships, grants, and emergency aid financial support. These can provide additional financial support without the burden of loan repayment. Scholarships may be merit-based or need-based, so actively seek out and apply for scholarships that match your qualifications and background. Grants are often available to assist with living expenses, and emergency aid funds can provide a safety net in unexpected financial crises.
University Support Services:
Your university's student support services can be a valuable resource for financial advice and assistance. Many universities have money advisors who can guide you through funding options and help you navigate financial challenges. They may also offer hardship funds for students facing financial difficulties. Don't hesitate to reach out and utilize these services; they are there to support your success.
Part-time Employment:
Consider whether you will need a part-time job to supplement your income. On-campus jobs are often convenient and can provide a source of income while allowing you to balance your studies. The best jobs tend to get snapped up early, so start your search as soon as possible.
Managing Stress and Seeking Support:
Financial stress can take a toll on your mental health and well-being. Recognize that you are not alone in facing these challenges, and seek support when needed. Talk to a trusted member of staff, such as your personal tutor, who can provide advice and help you access additional support services. Remember that serious financial problems can sometimes be considered as extenuating circumstances, which may include deadline extensions and other academic accommodations.
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Dealing with stress
University life can be stressful, with exams, coursework, and deadlines, as well as the pressure to succeed and balance school with other responsibilities. It's important to manage your stress to avoid negative effects on your health, happiness, relationships, and grades. Here are some ways to deal with stress as a university student:
Identify Stressors and Prioritize
Identify what is causing you stress and evaluate if it is necessary. If the stressor is causing more harm than good, consider removing it from your life. This could mean cutting back on extracurricular activities, limiting social media use, or learning to say no to requests that do not align with your priorities. Prioritize self-care and your mental well-being.
Time Management
Create a schedule and break down tasks into manageable chunks. Plan your time effectively, allocating time to relax and socialise, in addition to your academic and work commitments.
Practice Mindfulness and Breathing Techniques
Practicing mindfulness can help improve your body's response to stress. Try box breathing: breathe in for four seconds, hold for four seconds, breathe out for four seconds, and hold again for four seconds. Repeat this cycle seven times, bringing your attention back to your breath if your mind wanders. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is another technique that involves tensing and relaxing all your muscles until your body is completely relaxed.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can contribute to stress management. Eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Exercise regularly, even if it's just a 10-minute walk or a short workout. Get enough sleep, stick to a sleep schedule, and create a bedtime routine to help you wind down.
Take Breaks and Seek Support
Take breaks from your studies by spending time with family and friends or exploring new places. Stepping away from stressful situations can give you a fresh perspective and improve your well-being. Seek support from your university support services, counsellors, or mental health professionals if you feel overwhelmed. Talking to friends and family can also provide a valuable support system.
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Making friends
First, take advantage of living on campus. If you're in a dorm or residence hall, you're surrounded by potential friends. Keep your door open to show you're inviting people to stop by and say hello. Pop your head into your neighbour's room and say hi if their door is open. You could also join your residence hall association, help with programs, and participate in events. If you have a roommate, get to know them and include them in your plans.
Next, get involved with campus activities and events. Join clubs, organisations, or academic and service groups. Participating in things that interest you is a great way to meet like-minded people and provides common ground to start a conversation. Attend orientation events and campus socials, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. If clubs aren't your thing, consider intramural sports or recreation activities as a more active way to meet people.
You can also make friends in class. Talk to the person sitting next to you, and you'll likely see them regularly. Group projects are also a great way to get to know people. If you're working on campus, you might make friends with your colleagues.
Lastly, remember to be yourself and don't force it. Smile and say hi to people, and ask open-ended questions to get to know them. Ask about their day, give a compliment, or share a funny story. Be consistent, and the friends will come.
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Note-taking and studying
Note-taking techniques
There are several note-taking techniques that can help you take better notes in class. The Cornell note-taking method, for example, is designed to make you actively think about your notes. The page is divided into columns: the larger one is for your notes, and the smaller one is for comments, questions, or hints about the notes. At the bottom, there is a section for summarising the main ideas, which will help when it comes to reviewing and studying.
The Mapping Method is a visual way of organising your notes, which is particularly useful for learning about relationships between topics. Start with the main topic at the top of the page, and then divide it into subtopics on the left and right as you go down.
The Charting Method is another visual technique, which uses columns to organise information. Each row is a different topic, and columns list the properties of each.
Studying techniques
When it comes to studying, it's important to create a plan and a schedule, and break each topic into smaller, more manageable segments. Only move on to the next topic when you feel confident with the previous one. Highlighting important sections will help you identify key points, and putting sticky notes on pages you want to prioritise will help you stay organised.
Stress management
University can be a stressful experience, with exams, coursework deadlines, and financial worries causing anxiety. It's important to know how to manage stress, and universities often have on-site student counsellors and mental health professionals who can help. There are also options to help finance your education, such as government aid, part-time work, and scholarships.
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Handling rejection
Receiving a rejection letter from a university can be difficult to process, but it's important to remember that you're not alone in this experience and that it doesn't define your self-worth or future success. Here are some strategies to help you handle the rejection and move forward:
Feel Your Feelings
It's normal to experience a range of emotions, such as disappointment, sadness, anger, or frustration. Instead of ignoring or suppressing these feelings, allow yourself to feel them fully. Take time to process your emotions and come to terms with them. You can write about your feelings in a journal or talk to someone you trust, like a friend or family member.
Reframe Your Perspective
Practice cognitive appraisal, a psychological strategy that involves changing your interpretation of an unalterable situation. Write down all the negative thoughts and feelings you have about the rejection. Then, write another letter highlighting the positives that could come from this situation, such as discovering a different university that might be a better fit or having fewer options to choose from. Throw away the page with negative thoughts and focus on the positive outcomes.
Understand the Context
Recognize that university rejections are often not personal. Admissions teams consider various factors when forming an incoming class, and sometimes, it's simply a matter of limited spaces and high competition. Understand that your qualifications, grades, or application may not have met the specific requirements, and that's okay. You can consider contacting the university to ask for feedback to gain more clarity.
Explore Other Options
Start researching alternative universities and courses that may align with your interests and goals. Look into universities with rolling admissions, which accept applications until classes are full. Consider taking a gap year to build your academic record, gain new experiences, or reapply to your preferred universities. You can also explore community colleges as a stepping stone to transferring to a four-year university later.
Focus on Growth
See this rejection as an opportunity for personal growth and new possibilities. Reflect on what you can learn from this experience and how you can improve your application for future attempts. Remember that many successful people have experienced university rejections, and it doesn't define their entire academic or professional journey.
Remember, receiving a rejection letter from a university is not a reflection of your worth or abilities. It's a detour on your path to achieving your goals, and there are numerous ways to continue pursuing your educational aspirations.
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Frequently asked questions
University can be stressful, but there are many ways to manage this stress. Firstly, you can try to cut stressors out of your life altogether. For example, you could reduce your use of social media or learn to say no to requests for your time. You could also try stress management techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation. Taking care of yourself is important, so make sure you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise. Finally, if you feel comfortable, talk to friends and family about how you're feeling. Most universities also offer free counselling and support groups.
Stress can affect your health, happiness, relationships, and grades. You may experience short- and long-term physical symptoms such as headaches, an increased heart rate, shaking, sweating, stomach pain, an upset stomach, and even chronic pain. You may also find yourself turning to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or food to cope with stress. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to ask for help.
If you are stressed, it can be helpful to talk to friends and family. You can also speak to your university tutor or a GP, who can advise you on treatments and next steps. Most universities offer free counselling and support groups, so consider reaching out to your student wellbeing service.
