Anxiety in students: The pressure to be perfect

University is supposed to be the best time of your life. At least, that’s what everyone says. The freedom, the new experiences, the late-night takeaways with friends - it all sounds great in theory. But for so many students, there’s another side to university life that doesn’t get talked about enough: the anxiety, the pressure, and the overwhelming feeling that you’re drowning in responsibilities.

Big changes, bigger anxiety

Starting university is one of the biggest life changes you’ll ever go through. One minute, you’re in school with a set routine, seeing the same people every day, living at home where dinner magically appears on the table. The next, you’re in a new city, surrounded by strangers, trying to figure out where your next meal comes from and how to survive without your mum reminding you to do your laundry. It’s exciting, sure - but it’s also terrifying. And that’s where the anxiety starts creeping in.

Suddenly, everything feels uncertain. Making friends seems easy for everyone else, but for you? It’s a minefield of awkward small talk and wondering if you’ll ever find 'your people. ' The pressure to fit in, to be social, to be happy all the time - it’s exhausting. And if you’re struggling? No one talks about that.

Money worries: The silent stress

Let’s be real - money is one of the biggest stressors for students. Tuition fees, rent, bills, food, nights out (if you can even afford them) - it all adds up fast. The cost of living is higher than ever, and student loans barely cover the essentials. You’re constantly budgeting, deciding whether to spend your last £10 on groceries or save it for a coffee to get you through another long day in the library.

For some students, financial stress isn’t just an inconvenience - it’s crippling. The constant worry about making ends meet, the guilt of asking parents for help (if that’s even an option), the fear of debt hanging over your future - it’s no wonder anxiety levels are through the roof. And when you’re stressed about money, everything else becomes harder: concentrating in lectures, staying motivated, even just getting a good night’s sleep.

The never-ending pressure to succeed

The academic pressure at university is no joke. You go from structured learning to independent study overnight, and suddenly, you’re expected to stay on top of everything with barely any guidance. Deadlines pile up, reading lists seem impossible, and no matter how hard you work, it feels like you’re never doing enough.

And then there’s the comparison trap. Social media makes it seem like everyone else has it all figured out - aceing their assignments, landing internships, living their best lives. Meanwhile, you’re sitting in the library at 2AM, running on caffeine and panic, questioning if you’re even smart enough to be here.

The fear of failure is real. So many students feel that if they don’t get top grades, their future is doomed. It’s an all-consuming pressure, and for some, it leads to full-on burnout.

Loneliness: The unexpected reality

No one tells you that university can be one of the loneliest times in your life. You’re constantly surrounded by people, but that doesn’t mean you feel connected. Maybe you’re struggling to find real friends, or the friends you do have don’t get you. Maybe you miss home, family, childhood friends - things that felt safe and familiar.

Loneliness hits differently when you’re away from home. It sneaks up on you in the quiet moments - eating dinner alone in your room, walking through campus and feeling invisible, scrolling through social media and seeing everyone else having the time of their lives. It makes you question if you belong, if anyone cares. And when you’re feeling low, it’s hard to reach out.

So, what can you do?

If you’re struggling with anxiety at university, first of all, you are not alone. So many students feel this way, even if no one’s saying it out loud. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence.

• Talk to someone - Whether it’s a friend, a tutor, or a mental health professional, opening up about how you’re feeling can make a huge difference.
• Find a routine - Having structure in your day can help you feel more in control. Even small things, like setting a regular bedtime or planning meals, can make a difference.
• Take breaks - You don’t have to be productive 24/7. Watch a stupid TV show, go for a walk, or do something that makes you happy.
• Limit social media - Comparing yourself to others will only make you feel worse. Remember, people only post their highlights, not their struggles.
• Seek support - Universities have counselling services, peer support groups, and wellbeing resources - don’t be afraid to use them.

University is hard. No one talks about just how hard it is, but that doesn’t mean your struggles aren’t valid. Anxiety, stress, loneliness - they’re all real, and they can take a serious toll on your mental health. The most important thing to remember? You’re not failing because you’re struggling. You’re human. And you’re doing your best - that’s enough.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s OK to ask for help. You are not alone in this, and you don’t have to go through it alone, either.