Written by Rabiat Suberu
The transition from full-time employment to university life is a significant adjustment, regardless of how prepared you think you are, there is this feeling of having freedom.
With employment, there was a sense of financial guarantee where you had a routine set. For international students, leaving your friends and family for further education in a new country can have a significant impact on your mental health.
I thought I was prepared, I saved and budgeted, made plans with my family, and prayed about my transition back to studies, and I still was not ready for the emotional toll it had on me. It is not just the social aspect, but the fact that I had to learn how to learn again, and moving to a country with a different climate took its toll on me physically.
I know the “love yourself” mantra has been overused, but it is important to take your time to assess yourself and how your body and mind are adjusting to your new situations. Create a new self-care routine and try not to do everything at once, trust me with time you will adjust, and most importantly ask for help if you need it, there are university resources to use and colleagues to help, people are kinder than we give them credit for.
Create a schedule that balances classes, study time, and personal activities. This way you are not always in a hurry to achieve your goals and you can take time to breathe.
Research has shown having a good social life is imperative for our mental health. Attend orientation events and social gatherings to meet fellow students. Join clubs and societies, or study groups to build a sense of community, which there are a lot of at Newcastle University.
Approach your studies with curiosity and a growth mindset. You will never relive this point in your life again so why not embrace it fully. Gain all the knowledge you can, and most importantly enjoy yourself while doing it.
Apply your work experience to your studies; look for ways to connect your professional background with academic concepts, share your insights during class discussions and group projects, and look for ways to solve potential work problems.
If only we can do without money, the world would a better place, don’t you agree? Since you most likely do not have a guarantee fixed income budgeting is key. Make personal adjustments to your lifestyle to meet your new financial reality and look out for jobs to support your finances.
One lesson I have learned in life is that you cannot plan for everything, so be open to changes and embrace the flexibility that university life offers. Adjust your expectations and plans as needed to navigate the challenges and establish achievable short-term and long-term goals for your academic and personal life. Most importantly celebrate your achievements, no matter how small and stay motivated.
Remember that adapting to university life after full-time employment is a process, and it is normal to face challenges. Give yourself time to adjust and reach out for support when needed.