Managing anxieties and resources

  • It is quite natural to feel some anxiety when you start something new, and many students have concerns about starting at university.
                   It is easier to work out strategies for heading potential challenges and to manage your anxieties
                   if you have:

    *             sorted out in your own mind what your worries are
    *             considered how serious they really are
    *             realized that many other people feel the same way.

    Below are listed some anxieties which are common amongst new students. Tick the point beside any that apply to you, or add in others in the empty spaces.

    Study and learning
                                  Keeping up with other people
                                  Finding the time to do everything
                                  Understanding academic language
                                  Having the confidence to speak
                                  Developing confidence in myself
                                  Writing essays
                                  Getting used to university life
                                  Meeting deadlines

    Personal, family, work commitments
                                  Making friends with other students
                                  Coping with travel
                                  Organizing child care
                                  People treating me differently/’fitting in’
                                  Coping with job requirements
                                  Family responsibilities
                                                
    Look again at time items you have ticked. Beside each, write the number of the statement below that most closely corresponds with your feeling. Then read the comments on the next page.
  • I expect this to a minor difficulty: I will get round it easily or in time.
  • I expect this to a quite a serious difficulty: I will work on a solution
  • I expect this to a major difficulty: I may need to ask for help

    • Reflection: Managing anxieties
    *             What initial ideas do you have about how you could manage some of these anxieties?

    *             What strategies have you used in the past to deal with a new or difficult situation? Which of these strategies could be helpful now?

                   Study and learning anxieties
                   It is important to give yourself time to settle in and see what is required. May institutions pace the first year more slowly to give you time to find your feet.
                   Focus on planning your own activities rather than worrying about how well other students are doing. Some people play psychological games, claiming that they do no work and can essays over night. Very few people can really do this; it is certainly not expected of you, and it is not a sensible way to study.
                   Find support. Many students will be anxious about some aspect of their study and it helps to share concerns. Make time to meet other students in your classes. Once you have formed a bond with other students, you will have more confidence about joining it.

                   Managing other anxieties
    There is pressure on students to juggle family and work commitments in ways that were not expected in the past. Students have to be more creative in problem-solving and very organized in their time management.