Starting university is exciting! New experiences, new people and new country- and for many of us, it feels like everything needs to start right away. There are welcome events, group hang outs, associations, parties and all kinds of unspoken pressure to be social and stay socially active.
So we throw ourselves in it! Say yes to everything, keep our calendars full and try to make the most of every day. But there comes the time when we ask ourselves “When was the last time when I just did nothing?”.
The fear of missing out (FOMO) can be very intense in the beginning of university. You don’t want to be the only one that missed the party, that one fun kick-off event or even going for groceries with your flatmates. While all of this can be exciting, it also adds extra stress and exhaustion on top of everything else you’re already dealing with — adjusting to a new country, culture, schedule, and all the unfamiliar faces around you.
Many students have this idea that being constantly “busy” equals being successful. If you’re not going out, networking or getting involved, it might feel like you’re not doing enough or even missing an opportunity. This mindset can make resting feel more like a guilty choice rather than a necessity.
But the truth is: you don’t need to earn your rest! You have the right to pause, recharge, and say no to things without feeling like you’re falling behind.
University is a marathon, and not a sprint. If you don’t take care of your energy early on, you’ll feel the effects later – in your focus, your mood and your performance. Staying home, sleeping in and spending a quiet day alone isn’t selfish. It’s smart.
Real self-care isn’t just face-masks and cozy activities. Sometimes it is choosing to skip a social event just because you feel like it. It’s recognizing that your mind and body aren’t built to be “on” all the time.
University life can be very exciting – but it doesn’t have to be constant. You don’t always have to be productive, social or seen. Allow yourself to say “no” and do things at your own pace without feeling like you’re racing.
Because sometimes, the most important thing is to just breathe and give yourself permission to just be!
Writer: Aleksandra Lyubenova
