I ALMOST GAVE UP MY FUTURE

Sophie Brown was ready to leave after her first term of university. She urges students struggling like her to stay and seek help.

Sophie Brown

It’s hard to express how the start of university makes you feel. You’re excited for a new adventure, maybe moving away from home and being independent. But it can be overwhelming; it’s difficult to fully adjust to a new normal straight away.

For me, from the outside nothing was wrong. I had friends, I enjoyed my course, and I had a sociable timetable. So why did I feel off?

I’d put university on a pedestal. My teacher had told me how great it would be, yet it didn’t feel like that. I became easily distracted and lacked motivation.

By the end of the first term, I began questioning everything – my decision to go to university, whether the course was right for me. I was overwhelmed.

The turning point came just after Christmas, when I finally booked myself in with one of

the university career advisors, opened up about how I was feeling and let her know I was ready to quit.

She told me how normal it was to feel this way, that she had these conversations with students every year. I immediately felt relieved. I wasn’t alone in this.

She encouraged me to stick with it for the first year and to make a final decision then, once I’d had the full university experience. It was the best advice she could’ve given me.

I walked out with an open mind, willing to give it a shot in the knowledge that others has been in the same situation.

It wasn’t instant transformation. For a month or two I still wasn’t 100 per cent ok, but by the end of the academic year I’d settled in.

I ended up having the time of my life at university and even completed a term abroad. I honestly don’t think that would have happened if I hadn’t reached out for advice. In that moment I needed some reassurance to get me through.

If there’s one thing I could say to you, it’s to seek advice from friends, family or professionals. Don’t be afraid to discuss how you’re feeling and reach out to university professionals. They’re there to support and guide you in any way they can. The thoughts and doubts you’re having will be more common than you think. Don’t suffer in silence.

NEED SUPPORT?

U-COPE advice@liverpool.ac.uk 0151 795 1000

Student Health Line 0151 295 9900

The Samaritans samaritans.org 116 123

MIND mind.org.uk 0300 123 3393

YoungMinds youngminds.org.uk Text YM to 85258

Shout giveusashout.org Text 85258

Kooth kooth.com