Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Beginning the incredible journey that is life in university is an incredibly exciting time, but like anything worthwhile it is not always easy. There will be lows as well as highs, and you will experience challenging academic and social situations.

In fact, recent studies have found that students in higher education are much more likely to encounter mental health issues than their working peers, said a student wellbeing expert.

“We know that the first few months in particular can be some of the hardest. You may be living away from home for the first time, which brings many challenges in itself. You will be meeting new people and having to adapt to unfamiliar social situations. And of course you will be expected to work at a higher level than ever before. But, in the immortal words of Douglas Adams, ‘Don’t Panic’,” said Richard Kaminski, Student Wellbeing Officer at University of Birmingham Dubai.

“You are not alone. The people around you are all feeling the same, even if some of them may not always show it, and most importantly, you have access to more support than ever before,” he added.

For those who are still concerned, here are a few suggestions. Manage your time effectively, be well-prepared, go for physical exercise, socialise, sleep on time, and seek out help when need it.

“Managing your time effectively is vital. For once, having a phone on us at all times can be a huge benefit as apps like To.do, Listastic or Finish can ensure info and commitments are stored safely and easily recalled. Or, you could keep a notebook and write in it with an actual pen,” said Kaminski.

Feeling well-prepared will help you to walk in on day one feeling super confident and far less anxious.

He suggests including physical exercise in daily routine as it has been repeatedly shown to have huge benefits for concentration, stress levels and anxiety, and general wellbeing, as well as being one of the few things guaranteed to make you look good. Join one of the many sports clubs offered on campus.

Make time to socialise with friends, or go to the cinema, or read a book in a café. Set aside at least one period in which you don’t think about work, no matter how busy you are. Relaxation time is vital for allowing your brain to recharge and reset, and may well make any outstanding tasks suddenly seem that much more achievable.

He noted that disappointing results, fallings out with friends, feeling negative or low are all common experiences for everyone. Yet the added pressure of university life can sometimes blow them out of all proportion and make them seem insurmountable.

“This is when it’s important to keep a sense of perspective and remind yourself that these feelings will pass. Instead of focusing on the negative, think about what you have learned from the experience; often the greatest opportunities arise from things seeming to go wrong,” said Kaminski.

“Pulling all-nighters to get that essay in on time, being up until the early hours with new friends, or just watching one more episode on Netflix; we’ve all done it, we’ll all probably do it again, but try to keep a balance. Sleep is vitally important for good mental and physical health,” he added.

And above all, seeking out help when need it. Far from showing weakness, it demonstrates great strength, and determination to succeed.

“University can be tough, so there is a vast array of support available with teams of specially trained people ready to step in,” said Kaminski.

Recently, IGCSE and GCSE results were announced for UAE schools.

The schools recorded another successful year after a round of challenging examinations.

GEMS Education schools in the UAE have once again affirmed its ability to raise the bar and attain outstanding results.

Across the GEMS network, 357 students achieved the highest ‘9’ grade with 46 per cent of students achieved at least an A* grade across all schools. Of all grades achieved across the GEMS s.