You’re Not Alone
Starting uni can be a wild ride. One minute you’re buzzing about freshers’ week, and the next you’re convinced everyone around you is secretly a genius and you’re just blagging your way through. Spoiler alert: you’re not. That sneaky voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough? That’s imposter syndrome, and it’s annoyingly common.
In fact, a study from Westminster University found that nearly half (43%!) of second- and third-year students felt like frauds. 1 And get this – even the “I’ve got my life together” types in the real world deal with it too.
The truth? You’re not alone, and you absolutely belong here.
Spotting the Signs
Imposter syndrome can hit in a lot of ways. Maybe you feel like a total fraud who doesn’t deserve to be here. Or you’re constantly comparing yourself to everyone else and coming up short. Maybe you’re overworking to “prove” you belong or avoiding challenges because failure feels too risky.
Here’s the thing: feeling like this doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s so common that even top academics and professionals deal with it. If they can push through it, so can you. Even that person who’s always too ready to answer the lecturer’s questions has probably had a mini panic about not belonging. Feeling this way is normal – it just means you’re human.
Tips to Tackle Imposter Syndrome
Feeling like an imposter might be tough, but there are plenty of ways to fight back and remind yourself that you absolutely belong here.
1. Talk About It
Keeping it all in? Not the vibe. Open up to your friends, coursemates, or even your university’s support team. Talking it out can help you realise you’re not the only one feeling this way – and sometimes just saying it out loud makes it seem way less scary.
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts
When those self-doubt thoughts creep in, don’t let them set up camp. Flip them instead:
- “I don’t belong here” → “I earned my place just like everyone else.”
- “Everyone else is smarter than me” → “We’re all learning and growing at our own pace.”
- Writing down your achievements (big or small!) can also help you see how far you’ve come. Keep a journal for those feel-good moments.
3. Seek Feedback and Support
Your tutors and lecturers aren’t there to catch you out – they’re there to help. Ask for feedback on your work to see where you’re smashing it and where you can improve. Constructive feedback is like a cheat code for confidence.
4. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
You don’t need to ace everything on day one – that’s not how uni works. Celebrate the little wins, like finally understanding that tricky lecture or handing in your assignment on time. Growth is the goal, not perfection.
5. Build Connections
Joining a society, a study group, or even just chatting with people on your course can work wonders. Hearing others share their struggles and successes makes you realise we’re all just figuring it out together.
6. Practice Self-Care
You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Eat decent food (instant noodles don’t count every night), get some sleep, and take time out for things you enjoy, like a walk, yoga, or just binging your favourite series guilt-free.
The key? Don’t let imposter syndrome win. These tips won’t just help you feel more confident – they’ll help you own your uni experience.
Where to Turn for Help
If imposter syndrome feels too heavy to tackle alone, there’s no shame in reaching out for support. Here are some great resources:
- Your university’s counselling services: Most unis offer free mental health support, so check what’s available on campus.
- National helplines: Charities like Mind or Student Space (for students in England and Wales) are there to listen and help you navigate tough times.
- Online communities: Join forums or student social media groups to connect with others who get what you’re going through.
Help is out there – don’t hesitate to use it. You’re never alone in this.
You Belong Here
Imposter syndrome can make a lot of noise, but it doesn’t define who you are or what you’re capable of. You’re here for a reason, and you’ve already proven that you belong.
Take it one step at a time, celebrate your progress, and don’t be afraid to lean on the support around you. You have so much to offer, and you’re more capable than you realise.
Sources
