New term, new you...new nerves?

Nerves are something that everyone has gone through at some point in their lives

When you’re about to start something new, nerves tend to kick in and you start to feel unsettled. However, there are lots of ways to tackle them and make sure they don’t affect you enjoying your time at Barnet and Southgate College:

Remind yourself why you decided to start college or a new course in the first place

Starting a new course in a brand new environment, or meeting new people can be daunting, but remember everyone is in the same boat and probably feeling exactly the same way. Remind yourself why you wanted a new environment to study in and why you chose the course in the first place. Are you studying to try and get into university, or become a nurse, or a footballer or a teacher? Whatever it is - look forward to the future and remind yourself of your end goal and try to stay positive.

Plan ahead and ask questions

There are lots of things you can do to make things go a bit smoother for you in your first few weeks and months at the College. Even if that’s getting organised the night before a lesson, planning a new bus route, packing lunch or setting two alarms; if you organise the small things then sometimes the big things won’t seem as worrying. Nobody gets anywhere in life without asking questions, and in college it’s exactly the same. Nobody is expecting you to know everything, that’s why you’re here - to learn, so ask questions of your tutor and fellow students.

Say hello and be friendly!

Sounds really simple, but sometimes you have to force yourself to make the effort to be involved with those around you, and just say hello to people on campus, you’ll feel less alone. Everyone else is probably as nervous as you, so try and be friendly, suggest a coffee or going for lunch and get to know people. However, remember that if you're really worried about anything at college, course related or about something happening at home that may affect your studies, talk to your tutor or Student Services.

Keep on top of your deadlines

Some people find that doing some preparation in free lessons or on campus in the LRC keeps them focussed. It can help you feel in control rather than being in a panic before a deadline, or cramming it in last minute at home. Sometimes working with a friend on your course can help so you can discuss a topic further, or ask them questions and see what they think of your work.

Reward yourself

Managing stress and workload at college is really important and managing your downtime effectively will improve your physical and mental health and ultimately make you feel happier. This will be a reward in itself. More tangible rewards can also be a help, so promise yourself little treats, get a coffee or meet a friend, however small, when you meet your goals. Also find out what enrichment activities are going on at the College and get into a new sport or team activity, this can all help with settling in, rewarding yourself and making new friends.

Am I on the right course?

Finally, now you’ve had a couple of weeks on your course, now is the right time to think about those nagging doubts, if you’ve had any that is, not in a year’s time. So if you think you may be on the wrong course or level, don’t worry as it will be possible to transfer you onto a more suitable course. There are lots of options - don’t think you’ll get into trouble; you will do better doing something you actually enjoy. Talk to your tutor as soon as possible and see what course and campus options are open to you to transfer to and enjoy your time at Barnet and Southgate College.