ACE-ing uni: How to conquer back-to-uni anxiety

University Life

17 Feb

Written by Grace Pehar

Edited by Eliza Wright & Shinyi Chin

Returning back to campus is an adjustment in itself, especially after the disruption due to the global coronavirus pandemic. The concept of ‘university life’ has taken a dramatic turn, changes have been occurring left and right as the new semester looms.

All students want is a smooth transition back to campus. However, after more than a year of online learning, face-to-face has become a hard reality for some second and final year students.

This blog post will provide advice on how to target your deepest concerns when going back on campus, and the coping mechanisms to help give yourself the best attitude towards starting university in 2022.

Arrange your semester timetable

The key to success at university is organisation and optimisation. This will help you get the best outcome from all resources.

Plan ahead and get in early: I know you’ve heard it before but, ensuring your timetable has clarity and is organised, provides you with a sense of efficiency. Keep an eye out for important dates regarding preferences and adjustments. This is essential as scattered-mixed classes can be quite annoying.
Account for Travel time: I’m sure you can agree, it is quite embarrassing being labeled a “late-comer” by your lecturer. Depending on where you live, you need to consider how much time you’ll need to get to uni. Additionally, uni can be a daunting place with classes scattered everywhere.
Avoid large breaks between your classes: The feeling of a 10am class then a 3pm class with a 4 hour study break in between seems great in your head, however, in reality you don’t need all this time especially in the beginning or the semester. Boredom becomes real, you get tired and feel like going home. Next thing you know, you're skipping class.
Choose a design: Let’s face it… when a timetable is available on all digital devices, well thought-out and well-presented, you know you will use it more efficiently. There are many platforms available to create an effective timetable, allowing for an effective management strategy.

Coordinate similar breaks to your friends

Breaks between classes are a great way to refresh your mind and provide you with a chance to do something more lighthearted in a stress-free environment. This is a great way to prevent study-fatigue. In order to regain motivation, having a break surrounded by your peers is a great way to connect, and strengthen memories during your time on campus.

You can achieve this through a variety of different ways; explore the city! New eateries are always opening just waiting for you and your friends to try. Window shopping could also be another rewarding experience that helps release dopamine, without breaking the bank!

If you and your friends have a larger break, a long walk or an on campus activity gives you some daily physical activity, additionally being a great way to connect and network with other students in your degree or other areas of study. The potential of joining a club may also be on your agenda. These methods, if developed early, will help you minimise anxiety as you are in an informal setting, joined by like-minded students who are also looking at improving their professional, academic, and interest-based skills.

Express yourself through your uni outfits

There is a strong link between clothing and mood state. When we are experiencing stress or anxiety, we should be reaching for clothes which bring us a sense of joy. What we wear can bring us a sense of comfort (think: soft comfy tracksuit when you’re relaxing at home). Uni is not like high school, where you would put on the same uniform everyday.

There is the pressure of looking presentable at university and that comes with its struggles. But think of it this way, getting to choose what you wear also gives you the opportunity to express yourself. If you find you’re pressed for time in the morning, lay out your clothes the night before. Planning your outfit the evening before provides you with a sense of purpose and plan for your day, not to mention this means you have one less to make in the morning.

Throughout the process of returning to campus, it is important to remember to take breaks, surround yourself with positive people, and do things which keep you grounded, whether that be join a club, explore something new, or even a simple tick-of-the-box to give yourself a sense of achievement before returning to campus the next day! It is important to realise, student life on campus is ever changing but following these tips will prepare you for any challenge that comes your way.

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http://www.andrewford.com.au/