Amidst the bustle of beautifully chaotic student life, it’s easy to forget the things that are actually normal.
We’re all guilty of doomscrolling after a long day, and comparing ourselves to the content staring back at us.
That’s where the reality check needs to come in.
Social media distorts the truth. Everyone’s lifestyles, habits and routines look different, and that’s completely okay.
Does your skin tend to break out during exam season?
Haven’t found time to workout this week?
Feeling stressed about what your future holds?
That’s normal. Student life isn’t always glamourous, and it most definitely has its challenges. However, adversity is what grows us, and those learnings look different for everyone.
So today, we’re shining a light on the things that social media doesn’t want to show you.
Here’s a reminder of things that are normal as a student.
Feeling like you’re behind
Lecture notes. Seminar readings. Essay research.
University can feel like an endless pursuit of catching-up. We guarantee you that everyone’s feeling the same, and you’re probably way more ahead than you give yourself credit for.
If you start to feel like you’re sinking in the deep sea of uni work, remind yourself of what is realistically achievable. Everyone has the same 24 hours. There are only so many boxes you can tick off in a day. Instead of focusing on the daunting wider picture, set yourself daily goals that feel doable.
Speaking to your coursemates will also help you see reality. Chances are, the majority of your peers are feeling a little overwhelmed, too. It’s comforting to know that other people can relate to you, and you’re all in it together.
Your degree is a marathon, not a sprint. Go easy on yourself, and try to take things day-by-day.
Imposter syndrome
Intrusive thoughts are every student’s worst enemy.
We all have an internal monologue. Sometimes, that voice can be loud, irrational, and manifest into imposter syndrome.
Unfortunately, it’s normal. But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with it.
So, if you do ever start to doubt yourself, pause for a moment. Think about how far you’ve come, how hard you’ve worked, the sacrifices you’ve made to be where you are today.
You earned your university place just like everybody else. You got the grades and passed the application. The seat in the lecture hall is rightfully yours.
We’re all our own biggest critics. Don’t let negative self-talk become your mindset, though.
You’ve already done so many hard things just by being here. You’re capable of much more than you think.
Saying “no” to social plans
Introvert, extrovert, ambivert. Everyone’s social battery looks different. That’s totally normal.
It’s perfectly okay to take a step back socially if you need time to decompress. Your real, true friends will understand. They care about you, and they want you to do whatever you need to do to look after yourself.
Having said that, it’s important to not completely shut yourself away. Disengaging from your social life may cause you to feel lonely and distant.
Remain intuitive to how you’re feeling but also stay mindful. Yes, your degree is what brought you here, but studying is only one part of your university experience. Embrace it all, in moderation.
Don’t forget that you’re a person away from the books, too.
Eating out alone
Solo dining is so in. Why? Because you deserve to do nice things for yourself, even if that means booking a table for one.
There’s absolutely nothing strange or odd about eating out alone. In fact, it’s a courageous gesture of self-love that people should do more often.
It may feel a little unnatural to pull up a single chair. But like most things in life, the more you do it, the more normal it will feel.
Worried people may look at you weirdly? Reality check incoming… no one cares. Everyone’s too busy focusing on themselves to notice. If anyone did pay attention, it would be out of awe.
Repeating meals
Haven’t got the time or mental energy to be a culinary creative every day?
You’re definitely not the only one.
The What I Eat In A Day-ification of social media make us believe everyone’s eating rainbow-coloured, picture-perfect meals three times a day. They’re not. Because that’s not normal to maintain all the time.
Sometimes, a simple, easy, throw-together meal is exactly what you need after a long study day.
Have a hyperfixation meal that you’re loving? Don’t feel bad about making it on repeat. Eat it three times a day if that’s what your body is calling for. No one’s judging.
Food is personal. No one’s diet looks the same, nor should it. The important thing is to eat foods that you find nourishing and sustaining.
If you’re craving it and you enjoy it, that’s all that matters.
Having unbusy evenings
On the face of it, it seems like student life is a brimming calendar of endless thrills. Spontaneous nights out. Random day trips. Constant social plans.
Yes, that may be true for some. But it’s definitely not true for all. Especially for students in their second and third year.
Are the next few days looking quiet? That’s normal.
Life ebbs and flows. Some weeks will be more exciting than others, and that’s just the way it goes. Balance is what makes us appreciate the downtime when it does come around.
Try not to compare yourself to people on social media who appear to always be doing fun things. People only post the fun, exciting stuff that they want others to see. It’s not their actual day-to-day lived reality.
But if you do want to add some social occasions to your calendar, there’s one place for it.
Here at Vita Student, our curated weekly events programme is your opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and do something fun that’s outside of your studies. You can attend them as frequently as you’d like, depending on what feels right for you.
From crafting, creating and cooking, to brand experiences and headliner parties, our events are for you to tap into on your own terms.
Feeling homesick
Two things can be true at once.
You can love living independently whilst also missing home. It’s only human to crave familiarity and want to be around your loved ones.
Some days, you may not miss home at all. Some days, it may be all you think about. In those moments of homesickness, surround yourself with the community you’ve built for yourself here. Open up to people who share your experience and can relate to how you’re feeling. Allow yourself to cry, and connect with the emotion properly. Sometimes, a problem shared is often a problem halved. We promise you’ll feel much better afterwards.
Allow yourself to process your emotions but also reach out if you need to.
Living at Vita Students means being part of a global community of over 10,000 students from 140 countries. From our cosy ensuite studios to our warm Hub spaces, we provide a home-away-from-home living experience that students will take with them for life.
Want to explore our student accommodation in person? Book a viewing at the Vita Student in your university city. We’d love to show you around our five-star spaces, and introduce you to our friendly team.
