This University Mental Health Day, Grace shares her experiences adjusting to university life and its impact on her wellbeing.
I’m loving uni—my course, new friendships, and the independence. I’ve embraced the challenges and feel proud of how far I’ve come. But moving to university was a bigger step than I expected, and it’s normal to struggle at times.
I thought university would be easier than A-Levels, but the deadlines and workload proved intense. Unexpected hurdles, like dealing with a tooth infection and managing my finances, added to the challenge. I prioritised socialising over health, leading to poor sleep and feeling run-down. Homesickness hit, especially when I missed our dogs.
Though I put on a brave face, it took a tearful call with my mum to ease the pressure. Breaking down the issues together made them feel manageable, reminding me it’s okay to seek support.
Homesickness
I’m grateful for a strong support network, and home is only an hour and a half away. Talking about my next visit helped, and hearing my mum’s own experience—how she almost dropped out in her first week—reminded me I wasn’t alone. It made me realise that homesickness was a common feeling and often a symptom of other stressors. Just discussing it eased my anxiety.
Money
I’d been spending a bit too much on socialising, though my parents and I had agreed that making friends was a priority in my first year. I plan to get a job in my second year, and I’ll be working over Easter. In the meantime, my parents lent me money for a proper, healthy food shop to help me get back on track.
Health and diet
Poor eating habits and late nights disrupted my sleep, leaving me overthinking for hours. To break the cycle, I started taking walks after studying, resisted afternoon naps, and listened to hypnosis audio at bedtime, which helped me relax and sleep better.
Study
I quickly realised I wasn’t productive studying in my flat. Teaming up with course mates to work in libraries, study centres, or coffee shops really helped me stay focused. My university journey has been exciting but challenging. I’ve learned that reaching out for support and breaking problems down makes them far more manageable.
Reaching out for support
If you’re a student aged 16.5 to 25, the Peer Mentor Support Service is here to help. We offer support with mental health, social connections, housing, finances, education, employment, and life skills. We also assist with healthcare access and referrals. You’re not alone—reach out today.