Graduates have shared their ultimate student survival kit for this year's freshers, including hangers for outfits, a doorstop to encourage socialising and earplugs. A survey of 1,000 recent university graduates revealed that while most were thrilled to start university, a significant 81 per cent wished they had been better informed about the realities of student life before setting foot on campus.
Other essentials included a laundry basket to avoid the inevitable pile of clothes on the floor and slippers to keep warm without cranking up the heating. Some also suggested flip flops for communal bathrooms and a stockpile of cold and flu medicine for the unavoidable fresher's flu and beyond.
This list of must-haves is what graduates say made university life easier - particularly during Freshers' Week. But while many students are worried about what to bring, according to research commissioned by EXTRA the most common stressor that caught graduates off guard was keeping up with social events in their first year.
Others were uncertain about which fresher's societies to join (33 per cent), and 20 per cent even confessed that the fear of triggering the fire alarm when cooking caused them anxiety.
It transpired that for 33 per cent the most significant challenge they faced with their new-found freedom was handling their money. Whilst 28 per cent had to learn to look after their wellbeing whilst away from home, and 31 per cent were also anxious about forming new friendships.
Despite this, 84 per cent of graduates confessed they were guilty of overthinking more routine elements of university life before they began.
The chewing gum brand teamed up with student wellbeing advocate, Ben West, to provide expert advice to help ease the nerves during those initial few weeks.
He said: "These simple hacks were my go-to at uni whenever I started to spiral, helping me pause, reset, and actually live in the moment. Even something as small as pausing, chewing gum, or going for a walk can help.
"Starting university is such a huge and exciting step, and with just a few tools in your back pocket, you can quieten the noise and soak up everything it has to offer."
STUDENT WELLBEING ADVOCATE BEN WEST'S TOP TIPS FOR STUDENTS: Inhale calm; exhale chaosDeep breathing activates your body's relaxation response, helping you feel grounded. Find a quiet corner and spend a few minutes breathing deeply: in for 4 seconds, out for as long as you can, then repeat. You'll feel less panicked and more present instantly.
A Simple DistractionChewing gum can be a small, everyday habit, something familiar to reach for during a busy day. Keep a pack in your bag or pocket, and when you feel like it, pop a piece in and notice the steady rhythm of the chew.
Walk it offWhile it may seem obvious, movement helps release feel-good chemicals in your brain, and we can often forget that getting outside does more for us than we think. So step out for a walk and quieten your thoughts, all while getting to explore your new uni, letting your surroundings pull you out of your head.
Tune out the overthinkingWhen I was overthinking at uni, I'd put the radio on or stick on a podcast. It fills the silence and directs your mental spotlight. Choose something upbeat - a podcast that makes you laugh, a playlist that reminds you of home, or even a random radio station. Let it be the soundtrack to your reset.
Prioritise time with new peopleSay yes to hanging out after lectures, going to Halls events or society meet-ups, and keep your door open so you can meet people naturally. The more you spend time with new people, the more you will get into your new groove.
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