So you're not enjoying uni...

All getting too much?

The fact is that not everyone enjoys university. In fact I think it would surprise you how many people have serious issues with university life at some point during their time here at York, as well at other universities. There are a few common areas that can cause these concerns to arise and I will try to address them in this article also suggesting ways to combat them. On the whole I am going to try and keep this article as cliché free as possible, but it is important to remind anyone who is having worries about university life that you are not alone. It is key also remember that there are ways to deal with any issues you might be having, even if that issue is university itself.

Moving to University is not easy

First thing that you should remember if you are finding university difficult, and in particular settling in, that it is difficult. Our society has a habit of belittling the student experience and undermining the negative aspects of student life. University can be a place for great fun as, in general, you have more free time to pursue enjoyable activities than you would had you gone straight into full time work. However, the realities of university life, including the prevalence of free time, can also present new and challenging situations to deal with.

Whatever your previous experience the sudden expectation of being solely responsible for your own independent life can be daunting. So firstly it is vital that you rid yourself of guilty feelings of being the “scrounging” student that right wing media and ignorant members of the public portray us and to realise the real life difficulties that university presents.

Talk to someone

It sounds obvious, but if an aspect of your life at university is really bothering you you owe it to yourself to talk it out with someone you feel comfortable to do so with. I know from personal experience that avoiding your problems can feel better at the time, but ultimately you need to tackle the root of the problem sooner rather than later. It is only once you begin to deal with the issue of your unhappiness that you will be able to look forward to the future with hope.

Different problems require different lines of inquiry:

• Personal Problems: Your parents, friends from home or uni. If you feel you need to speak to someone completely impartial the University Open Door team (1) is a brilliant service provided to help through a huge variety of issues.

• Financial Problems: Your parents might be a good port of call first off and the mutual understanding of the situation will probably help both parties feel better. For more practical advice try the Student Financial Support Unit (2).

• Academic Problems: I know it might seem daunting, but your tutors and supervisors really are there to help and are experienced in dealing with all types of situations that might result in academic issues.

University is not for everyone

Although there seems to be a real pressure on students to go straight on to university after A-Levels, or equivalent, it really isn’t the only option. Even after starting your course, if you don’t feel university is right for you that is OK. There is no shame in dropping out, but it is worth talking to as many people as possible and having a real long think about the decision. I personally I am glad that I continued at York despite some serious thoughts of doing otherwise, but if university is seriously making you unhappy it is important to acknowledge that and deal with in the best way for yourself and your future happiness.

(1) Please contact the Open Door Team on 01904 432140 or visit them in the Careers Building between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

(2) Student Financial Support Unit, Sally Baldwin Buildings Block B, Tel: 01904 324043.

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