By Tracy.
When I started uni, I was excited, but also terrified.
As an international student adjusting to a different country, everything felt new. But dealing with anxiety made it even tougher.
I spent the first few weeks second-guessing everything; including how much I could possibly learn.
But the best thing I learned early on? I didn’t have to figure it out alone, and support at Teesside is always available. Here’s what helped me managed the stress. Schedule rest like your lectures.
I used to treat rest like a reward I needed to earn.
Big mistake.
I learned to prioritise rest, even during deadlines. A 20-minute walk or switching off my screen helped me reset fast.
Talk to someone
I know too well that feeling of wanting to sort things out on your own or waiting until things get too bad before asking for help. But help is always available as soon as you ask.
Talk to someone even when it feels like the problem is too little.
The support at Teesside is real (and free)
There’s more to mental health than conversations.
If you’re looking for real community, a place to centre yourself or a gathering of like-minds, consider what Teesside University offers:
- Teesside Student Life and Wellbeing Team for 24/7 mental health support.
- Students’ Union activities to stay social and feel less isolated.
- Teesside Sport for gym sessions to stay on top of your fitness game.
- Faith and Reflection Service to meet people of your faith.
- Quiet campus spaces to reset between classes.
- An LGBTQ+ friendly campus that promotes sexual orientation equality.
- And most importantly, staff who actually care. Lecturers and mentors check in regularly with you, and mean it.
University can feel like a lot, but it doesn’t have to feel lonely.
There’s no shame in asking for help; and once you do, you’ll wonder why you waited.
Need support? Start with Teesside Student Support Services.
