There’s this pressure when you start university that you need to be doing as much as you can. While getting involved can be great fun, you don’t have to do it all.
The one thing most people told me when I started university was to try everything, to get involved with as much as you can. I get why people suggest that, but it’s not always the best advice. Sure, there are lots of new opportunities open to you and you’ll probably want to do some. But pressuring yourself to do it all won’t end well.
Freshers Week
Freshers week is now upon us which means a million and one events going on. There’s everything your university has organised, nights the pubs and clubs have organised, and then everything your new-found friends want to do too. To say it’s a busy week is an understatement.
While there is an underlying threat of FOMO, there’s also the threat of doing stuff you’re not comfortable with. And even if that’s not the case, sometimes you just want some time to yourself. Of course, you have to attend the induction stuff your university has organised so you’re ready for the year, but apart from that, you don’t have to do anything else if you don’t want to.
Make A List
Grab one of the many notebooks you’ve purchased for the next year and make a list of all the events going on. Then, circle the ones you really don’t want to miss. Have a look at the rest and consider whether you actually want to go, or you just feel pressured to.
For example, you may want to go to all the parties and discounted clubs. But you might not be as fussed in the early coffee morning with your classmates. Or the other way around. Truth is, you’ll get to know all your roommates and classmates over the next year anyway, so it doesn’t have to be done all in one week. In time, those who will become your friends will get to know what you like to do anyway.
Take Time For Yourself
The next few weeks are going to be a massive change for you. You’ve probably moved somewhere new, with new people and getting used to a new routine. Give yourself some credit for coping with all that before cramming in anything more.
Although ‘the fear’ may be telling you otherwise, you are allowed to take time for yourself. Have an evening or two on your own, watching your favourite show with some comfort food. Take that free period to grab a cuppa with a book you’re not required to read.
You don’t want to burn out before you properly start. So, skip that social you weren’t fussed about and chill out instead.