Transitioning from school to university can both be exciting and nerve-wracking. For some, it may also be their first time moving away from home. Either way, there is no denying that university and post-18studies are rather different to anything a young person experiences prior to this point. We often hear about the positives associated with going to university:

• More independence
• More freedom
• New people
• New experiences

However, what many family fail to acknowledge is that the rather drastic change can also be overwhelming for many young people. For those who have moved away from home, they may be homesick. Some may struggle to meet new people and make new friends. Others may feel overwhelmed by the workload. There issues have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of our university experience has been through Zoom or Teams calls from our bedroom. This has made it even more difficult to make friends or experience this so-called independence and freedom. It has also added stress regarding career uncertainty.

In school, you are not given much independence or freedom. However, university, in my opinion, is radically different to this. At first, the idea of this greater independence and freedom may sound great. But, it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with being a young adult. You no longer have your teachers or parents supervising you. It can sometimes feel as though you have been thrown into the deep-end.

For the first time in your life, you will actively be working towards your career. Prior to university, it may have been a simple question of people asking you what you would like to be when you are older. But now, you are juggling university work alongside building up experience for your future career, and perhaps even applying to jobs.

It can also feel even more daunting when you feel as though everyone around you is succeeding and far ahead of you. Everyone else seems to be securing vacation schemes, training contracts, or a mini pupillage. Considering how competitive it can be to get into the legal profession, you may even find that your peers do not want to help you with applying to jobs or even helping with your studies. This can all feel rather isolating.

Tips

Firstly, it is important to note that you are not alone I feeling alone. You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed.

I will provide some suggestions on how to deal with these changes

• After lectures and seminars, go to a library or cafe with a classmate. This is a good way to make friends and also stay on top of university work. It will help with not feeling alone with a great workload. Having a study date can help with motivation too.
• Join societies. Yes, as an aspiring lawyer you should join your Law Society and other law-related societies. However, participate in other non-law societies too. This is a good way to destress and meet people who have similar interests to you. It is also a great extra-curricular activity you can put down on your CV or talk about at interviews.
• Create a schedule that works for you. This way you can have specific times dedicated to getting work done, and time to also unwind. It is also a great way to hold yourself accountable and see what you may have fallen behind on (remember, you no longer have your teachers and parents holding you accountable on missed work).