Living with Anixety on Campus

Different ways in which the university can support you through your anxieties while studying and living on campus.

Living with anxiety at home or in a familiar environment can be challenging, but once you have to get used to living/studying in a new environment it can be difficult to maintain low anxiety levels. Through my experience of first year, here’s some tips and advice on how not only the university can support you, but how you can alleviate some anxiety through methods from within your halls.

• Methods for seminars/lectures – One thing that was my main source of keeping calm when in seminars or lectures was having a simple distraction. For some people this may be something to fidget with, for others one aid is background music, for me it was making sure I had something to eat and drink. This may seem obvious but it’s worth reiterating how helpful it can be to some people. This may be more difficult for some students depending on what you’re studying, but a key thing when in university is communication, if you speak with your tutors/lecturers they will work with you to come to a solution on how to make you comfortable when in seminars/lectures.
• Adjustments when studying – Possibly one of the most useful facilities that the university can offer, are the bookable rooms in the library. Students can qualify to book these once speaking with the disability team about their requirements etc. Each room in the library has a desk with a study space and necessities such as a computer with two screens for those that need them, a printer, a scanner, a whiteboard and pens, and a lamp as well as normal lighting. The other rooms available to book are the sensory rooms which contain LED lighting and a projector as well as many other items. For me, these rooms are perfect as they are inside of the library so you still have access to everything, they are a study space to help me separate my work and personal life, and as I struggle to concentrate and work in a crowded silent room, these rooms offer a space where I can isolate myself from others. More information about these rooms can be found online.
• Making time for yourself – While the previous two options from the university are great, they both revolve aroundyour work life. I found that during my first year one of the things that helped to reduce anxiety levels was spending time with others. Even if you’re an introvert (like myself), university is a space that is built to make people mingle. If you’re someone that enjoys going out then going to one of the bars on campus is great for meeting new people, or if you want a sober activity then trips to the gallery on-campus, one of the cafes, or an ice cream/picnic in the piazza or one of the surrounding fields is a great way to return to nature and improve your wellbeing.

Nevertheless, these are all just suggestions and advice from my own personal experience. I am not a medical professional but it’s important to explore new things while at university to see what it is that helps to reduce your anxiety.

While it may take time to find out what works best for you, there are always people to speak to. You can contact the disability team or call the Nightline whenever you need them. But most importantly, enjoy your first year!

*I am not a medical professional, all advice is from my own experience*