by Amy Jones
The student world is a complicated one. On one hand, you have been granted this amazing opportunity to study for a degree of your choice. On the other hand, you might be facing a degree of uncertainty whether this is what you want to pursue. This uncertainty can derive from various things. From failing to be engaged in their current course, or simply losing the motivation to continue higher education, many students face the same emotions without any guidance on what to do next.
Whilst quitting and heading back home to your parents might seem like the easiest option, you need to spend some time finding the root of the problem. Often, the fear of uncertainty is what drives us to make rash decisions, putting us in a worse position than where we started. It is possible to work through this anxiety that university can inflict and bring your mind to a much more peaceful place.
In this blog post, we will share some of the things to consider, either by yourself or with a trusted friend, when you are feeling uncertain at university.
What are you uncertain of
First of all, you need to come to terms with what you are feeling uncertainty or anxiety towards. Is it your degree? Is it your financial situation? Or is it a combination of everything that inflicts a worrying feeling? Grab a pen and paper and make a list of what you are feeling uncertain about. Writing it down can also take the thought out of your mind, and stop any ruminating thoughts from taking over and dictating your mood.
Understand that you are not alone
Next, it is important to understand that you are not alone. Students from around the world feel uncertainty whilst completing their studies to some degree. This can come from anything and everything. Studying can put a huge weight on your shoulders, especially when you are trying to make your family proud. Understand that no matter how happy everyone around you may look, they have felt the same emotions as you and have either worked through or are ignoring their own issues. By working through these self-deprecating feelings, you are already making better changes than the majority of students.
Accept the present moment
Also, it is important to accept the present moment, instead of shifting your focus to the past or future. Where you are now is a great achievement, and spending your time worrying about not being good enough to fulfil your degree is not productive. Live in the moment, and try not to stress too much about your future. Despite your degree’s area of expertise, whether it be a business management degree or social care, you can pursue a different career if you decide it is not for you. Keep that in mind, but don’t dwell on it. Live to make the most out of each day of university, as you will look back and cherish the missed moments!
Stop thinking the worst
When you start feeling down and anxious about your future, you will likely be drawn to the worst-case scenario. These negative, low moods inflict this mindset. Any situation that we feel uncertain about will leave us planning for the worst, and this needs to stop. Start by being self-aware when these thoughts start to arise, and instead replace this thought for the best-case scenario. For example, if you are worried about failing your university degree, stop, and change the narrative. What if you studied hard, and got yourself a first-class degree that will drive you into a successful profession? Make this switch whenever negative thoughts start to arise.
You are in control
Understand that you are in control. Being at university is a choice, and you have made the steps to land yourself a spot there. You can control your decision-making, where you go and what you do. Whatever you decide, make sure that all decisions are educated, and not simply led by emotions instead of rational. Always speak to friends, and even your university advisor if you are feeling uncertainty at University. They might just give you the peace of mind you have been looking for!