Beneath the Cap and Gown: The Hidden Struggles of University Life
We are often reminded by our elders to cherish our university days, described as "the best years of our lives." The freedom, opportunities, and memorable moments - from academic achievements to nights out with friends — can certainly make this sentiment feel true. For some, these years will indeed be treasured as a time of joy, growth, and connection. However, for many students, the reality is more forlorn. The enjoyment of university life can often be overshadowed by the pressure to succeed academically or to maintain a thriving social life. The relentless pursuit of achievement that universities push onto its students under the guise of self fulfilment. Often this gives rise to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and ultimately, anxiety.
University Students Get Anxious Too
Recognising the prevalence of anxiety in students is the first step toward addressing it and supporting students in navigating these common mental health issue among students. These numbers highlight the urgency of addressing student anxiety as a vital part of supporting academic and personal success.
To tackle this issue, we must first find its roots. What is actually causing this anxiety in all of these students? Well, although there is no clear cut answer to this, through my personal research in this topic I came across a variety of essays and articles about anxiety in students and have identified three main categories to answer the 'why' of anxiety in students.
Perfectionism: Living by the Letter
There is often an unfortunate delegation of one's view of themselves with the grades they achieve. When discussing ideas for this piece with my peers one of them laughed about how if she 'didn't get an A what was the point of all this!' And although lighthearted, I took this to mean more than maybe she even realised. In seeing the grades as an ultimate 'point' we almost lose sight of ourselves as individuals with so much to offer beyond our academic abilities. This has been something I have seen in myself and peers throughout my academic experiences. I'm sure there is at least one time that comes to mind where you saw some poor individual walking out of an exam hall and it seemed to be a scene worthy of a funeral. When we create such a strong correlation between self-worth and grades, it's no wonder that deep anxieties find fertile ground to grow.
But can we say that there is no true reason for these grades, especially when in university, to have such a hold on people?
When all the work you have put in to get to this stage would have effectively been wasted if we are to now fail. It is undeniable that there are logical reasons for the existence of this anxiety when there are immediate implications for a student's future based on the grades they achieve. To fail can often mean a student's view of what their future will look like could be completely changed in the blink of an eye.
Still, while the fear of failure can feel all-consuming, it's important to remember that a grade is only one measure of one moment in time - not the sum of who you are. One of the most effective ways to ease this anxiety is to separate your self-worth from your academic results by actively recognising and nurturing the other parts of your identity — whether that's through hobbies, friendships, exercise, or creative projects. When your entire sense of value doesn't hinge on a single outcome, setbacks feel less like the end of the world and more like a challenge you can work through. This shift not only protects your mental health but can also make you perform better, because you're no longer working under the crushing weight of "everything depends on this."
Moving Away From Home: Social Tightropes
Many students leap at the chance to live independently of their parents. It's no secret that this independence offers new freedoms that can feel exhilarating at first. But those same freedoms can quickly turn into a lonely, even hostile, environment when you're far from home.
When I moved away, I was surprised by how much I missed the chaos of my loud, busy house. The silence of my new space and the overload of unfamiliar faces hit harder than I expected. Loneliness, l've learned, can be a powerful seed for anxiety — the two seem to keep each other alive.
From conversations I've had with others, l've found that university students are often some of the loneliest people you'll meet. Even by the end of second year, many of my peers reported they still feel like they haven't found "their people." Being pulled out of familiarity and dropped into an entirely new world is enough to overwhelm even the most sociable.
But there is hope. When I was at my most anxious, I met one of my closest friends halfway through my first year. That friendship became an anchor, and it reminded me that even when it feels like things will always be miserable, connections can appear unexpectedly and change everything. So please, even if you feel you haven't found 'your people' firstly take the time to find peace in finding yourself and just having fun, and truly beautiful people will stumble into your life when you stop fixating. You have worked too hard to get to where you are now to rely on others for your happiness!
The Anxiety of 'Return on Investment': The Cost that Never Sleeps
Now, for what I see as one of the most pressing issues with the education system itself: the cost. I recently had an interesting conversation with an older gentleman, where he reminisced about a time when higher education was completely free. This honestly made me gasp! It feels almost surreal to imagine attending university without the looming shadow of student loans - or without having to watch your parents stretch themselves thin to give you this opportunity.
This financial reality doesn't just exist in the background; it actively seeps into students' day-to-day mental health. When the price tag on your degree is so high, every assessment, every deadline, can feel like it's tied directly to financial strain. It's no wonder that grades begin to feel like matters of survival rather than learning.
And it's not just tuition. Many students face the added strain of paying for accommodation, groceries, and basic living costs on top of their studies. For some, it means taking on part-time work that eats into time for rest or revision. Or living in constant worry about whether they can make ends meet. These financial pressures can act as a steady undercurrent of anxiety — one that doesn't vanish after exams, but hums in the background all year long, filling you with silent doubts and second guesses of whether you are on the right course and whether it will all lead to a career.
Still, while the system may be far from perfect, there are ways to soften the impact on your mental health. Learning to budget early, reaching out for financial advice, and connecting with peers in similar situations can make the load feel lighter. Even small steps - like sharing resources, splitting costs, or finding part-time work you enjoy - can help you feel more in control. And perhaps most importantly, remembering that your worth is not defined by how much money you have or how fast you can pay off a loan can stop financial strain from consuming your entire university experience.
Bridges to Perspective: Seeking Professional Help Early
One of the most helpful things l've done for my own anxiety at university has been speaking with qualified therapists. Whether this is communication with an individual therapist or staff, these professionals have worked with countless students in the same position and understand the unique pressures that come with academic life.
There's something grounding about talking to someone who has not only heard your exact fears before from so many others, because truly as students we are so similiar in our struggles sometimes, resulting in an ability to offer you tried-and-tested ways to manage them. Often strategies we would have overlooked before.
In addition, speaking with experienced, mature adults outside of your immediate peer group can bring an entirely new perspective. They've often faced similar crossroads in life and can remind you what feels almost existential now is usually just one chapter in a much longer story. Their advice can help you see the bigger picture and offer practical "outs" you may not have considered, making the mountain you're facing feel that bit more climbable.
Final Thoughts
University can absolutely be a whirlwind of opportunity, pressure, excitement, and fear - sometimes all in the same week. The struggles we face beneath the cap and gown are often invisible to others, but they are no less real. By acknowledging them, seeking support, and refusing to let grades, finances, or fleeting loneliness define us, we take back control of our narrative. These years are not merely a test of intellect, but a lesson in surviving, and sometimes stumbling, as new adults. And perhaps the greatest truth of all is this: no matter our age, we all need a steady hand to hold now and then.
-By Sahara Hussain, Second Year Student in the School of Psychology and Neurosciences at St. Andrew's University
-Reviewed by Dr Aneesa Shariff, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
