New tupperware. First day outfit. Pencils. on. point. We are going back to school.
I have been in education for almost 20 years of my twenty-five on this planet. One of those years in another country and three years in a yet-to-be-completed degree. I feel like I have gained some experience and understanding of education, and as I am currently on my own journey back into study there’s no better time for me to put them down on a page. It feels fitting, too, following the recent GCSE and A Level exam results.
Some readers might be packing rucksacks for a next academic endeavour or just gearing up to start researching courses – like myself – so I hope this blog will be a useful read for you.
Setting up
Course searching can feel very big, particularly if you are committing years of your time and money to a subject. Feel proud that you are taking these steps! I found it helpful before researching to make a spider diagram of my enjoyments, experience, and existing education to get a picture of what my options may be. Asking trusted people to add to your diagram could help you see achievements or talents that you haven’t already identified in yourself. Once you start to explore subjects or universities, grab opportunities you can to talk to friends, colleagues or read online about others’ experiences.
It might feel like a big pressure to choose the right subject for you; remember that you can talk to your tutor, a careers advisor or student support if you aren’t sure you’ve started on the right path and it might be possible to change to another course, institution or discuss an alternative plan.
Going in
So you might have already done the choosing and applying. You are ready to leave for a new city. If you haven’t yet organised somewhere to live, there are web forums where you can search for housemates or university recommended accommodation – you should find these on your University website.
“…when I started my course my university put me in touch with my soon-to-be housemates and we were able to chat before arriving at halls of residence.” (Ruby, 26)
It’s an exciting time! Don’t forget in the busy first few weeks to get registered with a GP surgery and with any other services you might need. If it is a daunting task perhaps research, make calls or fill in application forms with a friend.
“I would suggest spending some time over the summer identifying the support services available to you through the uni. For example, the student union, a wellbeing department, additional support/disability centre etc. It might help to really understand who you can turn to and where you can go for information and support. For example, at my uni we offer peer support groups, learning mentors, reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate anxiety, offer a range of counselling services etc” (Ben, 24)
Get involved
One module during my degree – community engagement – has been very valuable and actually inspired me to be a Peer Navigator at Off The Record. For the semester I helped weekly at a young person’s drop-in centre. The practical experience in a work environment was insightful as well as being social and giving me a sense of purpose. If you haven’t the means to give up your time for free or want some extra pocket pennies, a small part time job could help you keep a good routine and supply you with work skills and knowledge.
Apart from study and work, you will be developing your social circle and activities. Scope your local clubs, open mic nights, swimming pool etc
“During freshers I felt quite pressured to join in with binge drinking to fit in, I was struggling with social anxiety to the point of panic attacks and having to leave my course. Reach out to someone if you’re feeling bad and don’t feel like you have to do what everyone else seems to be doing, the chances are there will be others who’d rather stay in with a film or who really love reading so keep an eye out for societies or like minded people.” (Emily, 23)
Staying focused
One thing I found so helpful during my degree was separating my sleeping/relaxing space from my study environment. In the future I will not spend so many hours reading and writing from my bed. Instead, working at a desk if possible can help with focus and encourage you to take regular breaks from sitting to make a cuppa, put away your washing or call a friend.
My old housemate, Emily, was my study buddy – we partnered up and agreed times to meet at the library or go to a cafe on days without lectures or running up to a deadline. The peer support can be massively encouraging and help with staying positive and focused.
Prioritise
With all these tips and advice aside, it’s essential to remember that the most important thing is you; a grade or what you fear your peers/parent think about how you’re doing are not priorities over your mental health and wellbeing. Eat well when you can, sleep to recuperate, make time to do small things for yourself (a nice meal; a walk; listen to a new album). Set your own goals, celebrate all your achievements and above all be kind to yourself!
Resources
Housing: http://www.studentpad.co.uk
Courses and advice: https://www.prospects.ac.uk
Study Tips and Stress Busting: http://www.otrbristol.org.uk/resilience-lab/