The stress of student life

I have always been the kind of person to second guess myself. I get stressed about things more easily than others because I am an overthinker. The root of my stress is not that I am a ‘snowflake’ or because I have been coddled and am unequipped for university life. I do not look at life with a rosy optimism, assuming that everything will be handed to me on a plate.

For me, the pressure of university stems beyond grades and independence. I do want to do well – I don’t think anyone goes to university with the anticipation of failing. However, university is not like it used to be. Grades are not the only cause of our stress. With rising costs, not only in loans and debt, but also in general living and accommodation fees, I am sure that I am not alone in having to work two jobs during term time.

On top of this, I am involved in societies and am fighting for work experience placements, and I refuse to sacrifice spending time with friends and doing things I enjoy simply to secure that elusive first.

Having said that, university for me is about so much more than the degree, the debt and the hangovers

I know that my degree means I won’t walk out of university with a job, which only adds to the pressure of future debt. I am always looking for experience, only to be told that I can’t have it because I don’t have enough experience. As the saying goes, it’s not what you know, it’s who, and my circle seems pretty slim.

I’ve asked myself many times if university is worth it and unfortunately the first thing that always comes to mind is ‘it’s too late now, I’m already at least £15,000 in debt so the least I’m going to do is get a degree’. My only consolation is that with a competitive job market comes the chance that I’ll never have to pay it back (although that also means I’ll be eating beans on toast for the rest of my life).

Having said that, university for me is about so much more than the degree, the debt and the hangovers. It’s a chance to grow as a person, try things I never have before, and develop skills beyond seminars and lectures. I have met some incredible people, who inspire me and who I genuinely can’t imagine my life without. I am always reminding myself that, had I not come to university, I would never have known these wonderful people.

I have almost weekly breakdown sessions where we all cry and then laugh about how we’re crying and move on

I would encourage anyone who’s feeling stressed about university to talk about it with someone – a professional or even just a friend. Whether it’s healthy or not, my housemates and I have almost weekly breakdown sessions where we all cry and then laugh about how we’re crying and move on. Sometimes you just need to know you’re not the only one freaking out.

It’s also good not to spend too much time alone. I know that too much time sat in my own head just makes me feel isolated, lonely and eventually more stressed out. If it’s a casual conversation over coffee, or a movie night in, making some time to spend with friends is usually going to improve your time. Having said that, don’t feel bad if you need some space. I haven’t had a minute to myself since I got back to university and a quiet night in is long-overdue. Sometimes you need time to recharge.

There will be positives and negatives to everything in life

Ultimately life is about choices. I chose to come to university. I can’t always choose whether to be stressed, but I can make an active decision not to let that stress ruin my experience. There will be positives and negatives to everything in life, and knowing when to dive in head first and when to take a step back is one of the many lessons you’ll have to learn outside the classroom.

We’re going to university with a multitude of problems that just didn’t exist a few years ago, so being stressed is normal. Managing it and knowing when to seek help is what’s important – and if you ever see me having in a quick cry, feel free to grab your tissues and join in.

If you’re struggling with the stress of university life, you can find more information and support with the University of Warwick’s wellbeing services.