University can bring exciting opportunities, but it can also come with a lot of change and pressure. Keeping up with your studies, exams and deadlines, living with new people, making friends, managing your money or thinking about the future can all feel overwhelming at times.

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Stress and anxiety are common experiences, but that doesn't mean you have to just put up with them. There are things you can try yourself and support available if you need it.

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What does stress feel like?

Stress is a natural response to feeling under pressure. A certain amount can sometimes help us focus or respond to a challenge, but too much stress can leave you feeling overwhelmed or make everyday life harder.

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Stress can affect people differently. You might notice changes in the way you think, feel or behave, as well as physical symptoms.

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You might:

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• feel worried, irritable, tearful or overwhelmed

• find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions

• experience headaches, muscle tension or stomach problems

• notice changes to your sleep or appetite

• withdraw from friends or things you'd normally enjoy

• drink, smoke or use other substances more than usual

• struggle to switch off or feel like there's always something else you should be doing

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You don't need to experience all of these for your stress to be worth paying attention to.

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What can help me manage stress?

Different things work for different people, so it can be useful to think about what helps you feel calmer, more rested or more in control.

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You could try:

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• breaking bigger tasks into smaller, manageable steps

• taking regular breaks from studying

• getting outside or moving your body in a way you enjoy

• doing something creative or relaxing

• making time for things you enjoy without feeling guilty about it

• talking to friends, family or someone else you trust

• protecting your sleep and giving yourself time to rest

• getting involved with a student group, community or activity that helps you feel connected

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You don't have to completely remove stress from your life. Finding small things that make difficult periods more manageable can be a good place to start.

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The NHS and Every Mind Matters have more practical ideas for managing stress.

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What's the difference between stress and anxiety?

Stress and anxiety can feel similar, and you might experience both at the same time.

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Stress is often connected to something that's putting you under pressure, such as exams, deadlines, money or relationships.

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Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear or unease. It's a natural response that can help us recognise potential danger, but sometimes those feelings can become difficult to manage or continue even when there isn't an obvious threat.

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Anxiety can affect your thoughts, emotions and your body. You might experience a racing heart, feel restless or on edge, struggle to concentrate, worry about things repeatedly or avoid situations because they make you anxious.

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Mind has more information about anxiety, panic attacks and the different ways anxiety can affect you.

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What if I'm feeling anxious about university?

There can be lots of reasons why university life might make you feel anxious.

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You might be worried about your academic work, whether you'll make friends, fitting in, presentations, exams, finding somewhere to live, money or what you'll do after graduating.

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Try not to compare how you're feeling with how other students appear to be coping. You often won't know what's going on for someone else.

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If there's a particular issue contributing to your anxiety, getting support with that problem can sometimes make things feel more manageable.

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For example, you could speak to:

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• your academic department or Hub about your studies

• the Advice Team about academic processes, housing or finances

• the Career Zone if you're worried about careers or your future

• Wellbeing Services if you'd like support with your mental health or wellbeing

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You don't need to wait until you're struggling with everything before asking for help.

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When should I ask for more support?

There's no point at which you have to be “struggling enough” to reach out.

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It might be particularly helpful to talk to someone if stress or anxiety is regularly affecting your:

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• studies

• sleep

• relationships

• physical health

• ability to do everyday things

• enjoyment of things you usually like doing.

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You could start by speaking to your GP, the Student Health Centre or the University's Wellbeing Services.

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If you're not sure who you need, that's okay. Start with the service that feels easiest to approach and they can help you find the right support.

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What if I need help urgently?

If things feel overwhelming and you need urgent mental health support, you don't need to manage it alone.

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The University has an Urgent Support page explaining where you can get help depending on what's happening and when you need it.

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If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.

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How can the Advice Team help?

Sometimes stress and anxiety are connected to something specific happening at university.

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Our Advice Team can help if you're worried about things like:

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• your studies or assessments

• University processes

• money or financial difficulties

• housing

• another issue affecting your university experience.

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We can talk through what's happening, help you understand your options and point you towards other support where needed.

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We're not a mental health service, but you don't need to know exactly which service you need before speaking to us.

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Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com for help.

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Whatever's going on, reaching out early can make things feel more manageable. You don't have to wait until you're at crisis point to ask for support.