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Manage your stress levels

Starting university can be stressful. While stress can motivate some students (as people say, diamonds are made under pressure), it can also be overwhelming, especially with external commitments like work and other personal responsibilities. It is really important to be aware of your limits and to be open to not only seeking help from others but also receiving help from others.

To help, we've compiled the following suggestions that may assist you to:

Reach out to others
Find the right support when you need it
Balance the demands of uni and other commitments

What I wish I knew: In this video, students explain how they sought support to cope with and overcome challenges.

We're here when you need us

The Get Prepared students offer some advice on managing stress during university:

Imposter syndrome: Some of us get to university and feel ill-deserving of our opportunities. The good news is that everyone feels or will feel the exact same way, you're not alone.
Fake it 'til you make it! Don't wait until you feel confident to start putting yourself out there, step a little outside of your comfort zone - if it's too much, you can always seek help from the safety net of support services available at the University.
You belong just as much as the person sitting next to you.

Did you know?

Imposter syndrome can be defined as a feeling of inadequacy or self-doubt that can override proven evidence of competence or success.

Reach out!

If money is a concern: The university offers a range of domestic and international scholarships and bursaries to support you during your time here, and some are specific to faculties, economic and cultural backgrounds. The SRC also offers emergency loans up to $50.
If you can't balance it all out: If you're unable to balance work and study, and work must take precedent, consult your course/enrolment coordinator through your unit of study outline (held on your Canvas unit of study site or the University's list of units) about studying part-time or having a reduced load. If you don't discuss this before the Census date, you may end up with a 'withdrawn fail' on your transcript.

Feeling overwhelmed?

You have options: If you're overcome by assessments, you can apply for a simple extension or special consideration, depending on your situation.
We're all in the same boat: Don't be afraid to ask questions and discuss your concerns (like assessments, extensions, availability of resources) with others in your class - chances are, they will have the same thoughts as you.
It's okay not to be okay: If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to friends, tutors and lecturers, Counselling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, and other individuals you are close with. They too may be experiencing or have experienced similar pressures and can talk to you about it as your degree progresses.
University is tough: Remember, you deserve to be here. Make use of the resources the university has to offer and reach out to those around you.

I was so overwhelmed in first year that I sat down on the Quadrangle-facing seats in front of Fisher Library and broke down in tears. Two years later, I'm still trying to make it to the best of my ability. If I can do it, anyone can. In the wise words of Oogway from Kung Fu Panda: "all you have to do is believe".

Mahmoud, 2nd year Commerce/Laws

Find support when you need it

Life gets the better of us sometimes. If you find yourself overcome by stress, the University has many different wellbeing support services and programs that are available to you. While it can often be difficult to reach out for help, it is really important that you know what services are waiting for you if you need them. These are mainly located at the Jane Foss Russell Building on City Road. Take note of the name and plan a visit on your orientation!

You can find information about these services by clicking on each of the drop-down arrows.

COVID-19 Support Services

Access the support services related to the COVID-19 Health Crisis.
If you are enrolled, you can also access the COVID-19 Student Safety and WellbeingCanvas site, which is designed specifically with you in mind in order to equip you with the information you need to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19.

Have an administrative query?

For all administrative enquiries relating to enrolment, current students should refer to Sydney Student.
For enquiries regarding their studies (e.g., prerequisites, special permissions, and credits for previous study), students should refer to the current studies page on the University website to assist with unit of study planning.
For general degree-level or enrolment enquiries, students should refer to the Student Centre.
For specific discipline-related enquiries, students should refer to their School/Department/Discipline undergraduate coordinator or equivalent to provide individual advice.
For advice relating to requesting pre-requisite waivers or credits for previous learning at other universities, students can refer to the credits for previous study page on the University website for general information and will need to refer to their handbook for specific advice relating to their faculty and course resolutions.
You can find more information relating to coursework credits and policies in the Policy Register.

Need help with accommodation?

For students wanting to live on campus, you have the options of living in University-run accommodation or colleges.

The University-owned residences are affordable and offer independence for students (who'll need to cook for themselves). They can also offer a range of social events and support networks. They include:

The Queen Mary Building
The Regiment Student Accomodation
Darlington House
Abercrombie Student Accomodation
The Terraces

Colleges may not be affordable for the majority of students without scholarships. They offer a vibrant social life, daily meals and various support services. They include:

Mandelbaum House
Sancta Sophia
St Andrews College
Wesley College
Women's College
St John's College
St Pauls College

To learn more, the USYD accommodation page.

Get connected with your fellow students

Join a peer mentoring program.
The Orientation Program website remains live all year round, with ongoing, helpful information and support for transitioning students.
The University of Sydney Union (USU) organises a three-day Welcome Week program before Semester 1 begins and often arranges a Welcome Day early in Semester 2.
If you miss out on joining USU clubs and societies at those times, feel free to visit the USU Clubs and Societies website to sign up at a later date.
Faculties and schools also have their own welcomes and activities. Check with your own faculty/school/department for more information.

Mental Wellbeing

If you're feeling anxious or distressed, you can talk with one of the University counsellors from Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
Call +61 2 8627 8433 or +612 8627 8437 between 9am and 5pm (AEST) or complete the CAPS booking form to book a telecounselling appointment via phone or Zoom.
You can also visit or contact the headspace office situated near campus!
If you are remote, you can use 'Head to Health' or University Crisis Line, two digital mental health e-resources, and request support from Head to Health by calling +61 2 8627 6808.
Use TalkCampus! TalkCampus is an online peer to peer mental health and wellbeing support network allowing you to talk to your peers to discuss mental health issues any time of day, anywhere in the world, in a language of your choice.
Check out Batyr, a youth-led organisation breaking down the stigma around mental health. Look out for their programs and social media campaigns.
You can also use Wellbeing apps like Smiling Mind,which provides mindfulness/meditation sessions for all ages and situations (i.e. sleeplessness, relationship stress, study demands) or Daylio (a daily mood journal to record your activity).

International students

Study NSW has launched an International Student Welfare Services Hub, with links to many organisations and community services providing support and helpful information for international students.
The International Student COVID-19 Crisis Accommodation Scheme is an NSW Government initiative funding up to 20 weeks of free accommodation for vulnerable international students in NSW during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can develop your language skills before orientation by using University language programs like Speak Up and Get it Write! For Mandarin speakers, lookout for opportunities to contact Mandarin-speaking Peer Support advisors listed in the International Student Welcome Guide.
Want to connect with others? Try out the Speak and Connect program before your first semester.

Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

There are many support services and networks available to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Students. The students have access to the Mana Yura support team which handles all sorts of enquiries, which range from accommodation options, assessment deadline extensions because of cultural obligations, to needing financial assistance.

The Mana Yura offices are in the John Woolley building, where Indigenous students also have a common room, with plenty of space to hang out with friends, meet with their ITAS Tutors, use the free computers and printing, eat snacks from the fully stocked cupboards, or even take a nap between classes!

The Gadigal entry pathway is also a great entry program for Indigenous students. Even if you don't need assistance getting into university, it still may be very beneficial to sign up for the pathway, as it provides so many opportunities to meet other Indigenous students, be eligible for scholarships and even refine your general university study and essay writing skills before the start of you start first semester.

You can also learn about the range of services supporting Indigenous students through the support services directory.

Disability Services

The University of Sydney is committed to ensuring equality of access to all its facilities and programs. From assistive technologies to assessment adjustments the University offers a range of services to help students with a disability. Many students are not aware that they are eligible for this assistance.

Types of disabilities which a student may seek assistance for could include:

Deafness/hearing impairment
Blindness/vision impairment
Physical disability
Specific learning disability
Psychiatric/psychological disability
Acquired brain injury
Chronic medical conditions
Temporary disability

Disability Services are the first point of contact for students with disability. They provide one to one support and consultation with a team of specialist staff with expertise in understanding how a disability may affect your studies. They work with academic staff to determine reasonable adjustments and support to minimise the impact a disability can have on your university experience .

Types of adjustments students receive include:

Assessment and exam adjustments
Alternative formatting
Timetable adjustments
Access to assistive technology
Lecture support
Library services

If you’d like to find out more visit the Disability Support website and book an appointment to talk through how they can help.

Health Services

If you have any queries regarding your health, or if you are in need of a doctor's consultation, you can visit the University's Health Services page.
You also have access to dedicated resources on sexual health, consent, and sexual misconduct.
Contact the Safer Communities Office to talk with specialist staff members who are experienced in providing an immediate response to people that have experienced sexual misconduct, harassment, bullying, and domestic/family violence. You can reach them on +61 2 8627 6808 during 8.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday or email them at safer-communities.officer@sydney.edu.au.

Time out!

Having thought about balancing your studies, feel free to take some time to absorb how this information relates to you.

To finish off this page, we'd like you to try out a mindfulness exercise. While mindfulness exercises aren't for everyone, they can certainly help you to keep your stress down.

To start your mindfulness session, press the following link (heads up, you may need to adjust the volume on your device): five-minute meditation.

If you like, make a note of how you are feeling before and afterwards - it'll help you to find out if meditation works for you.

Want to learn more?

You can find more guided mindfulness practices on the University of Sydney health and wellbeing page.
Watch the 'Gap Year, Uni, and Change' episode of the Reinventing the Gap Year series for advice from university students who have had to adapt to changes during their university journey.
If you have UniKey access, complete the My Wellbeing module in the Domestic and International student Orientation Canvas sites.
Watch the Mental Health Month Stories on YouTube to hear from other students on the subject of mental health.

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