How to navigate change: my experience starting uni

In fact, it often helps us grow. There comes a point when a fear of change shifts from self-protection to a silent cage, keeping us from reaching beyond what we know. There's a delicate balance between recognising our personal limits, understanding how much change we can truly handle, but also pushing ourselves to step past those boundaries. Because, as comforting as the familiar may be, we can grow in the spaces of uncertainty.

Change is only unfamiliar until it becomes familiar. Since moving to university, change for me now would look like living back at home. I have a new routine in my university, new friends, new hobbies and interests. Remember that the feeling of change is temporary, and you will adapt, even if it feels like it's taking a while.

If, like me, you know that adapting doesn’t always come easily, it’s important to give yourself grace and put some safety nets in place. I realised that there’s no shame in seeking extra support when you need it. This meant registering with my local GP for semi-regular physical and mental health check-ins, something I’d never done before, but something I now see as vital for maintaining balance.

Being proactive about looking after yourself isn’t a sign of weakness. I’m not entirely where I want to be, even four months into university, but I’ve learned to take both preventative and active steps towards better wellbeing. So, there’s no shame in recognising your vulnerabilities and knowing when it’s time to put a safety net beneath you. As cringe as it sounds, give yourself the best opportunity not just to survive, but to thrive.

I know it’s tempting to pull back when you’re struggling, especially when your self-esteem takes a hit. It feels safer to avoid the discomfort of being seen or vulnerable. To be completely honest, my biggest fear is rejection – the thought of being annoying or embarrassing myself terrifies me. But I’ve learned that to experience acceptance, you have to risk rejection. It’s the price you pay for connection.

More often than not, how we think others see us is distorted. Our minds are wired to make us the centre of our own universe, but the things we overthink – the moments we regret or obsess over – barely register for others. Chances are, what’s keeping you up at night has already slipped their minds. Putting this into perspective can be so freeing. Often, the fear of rejection is far bigger than the reality.