Feeling Under Pressure

You are being bombarded with masses of information which you need. During your time at University, you will also be bombarded by all sorts of information and choices by organisations or individuals who want you to join, start or buy something. This can be anything from a bank account to a visit to a night club, from life insurance to religion, a relationship to excessive use of alcohol. The tactics used can include leaflets, persuasive words face-to-face, threat of ostracisation, e-mails and befriending. Some groups and organisations actually target vulnerable students – those who are taking longer to make friends or do not know how things work in the UK.

HERE ARE SOME GOLDEN RULES:

1. You are still you. You do not have to change your views or personal or moral code to fit in. Just because a group of fellow students choose something does not mean that it is right for you too.
2. Don’t let someone pressure you into something you are not sure you want or need, or something which does not feel comfortable for you.
3. Don’t sign anything (except for University contracts!) until you have had time to think it over and compare alternatives. If you are being pressurised to commit, ask yourself why they don’t want you to have time to think.
4. Don’t make commitments to individuals or groups too early – one USA university suggests making no major decisions for 6 months. It takes time to learn who or what is genuine or right for you.
5. It is okay to say no. Don’t feel that you have to say yes to be polite. Watch students who have been here for a while and you will see that they often walk past those with something to sell or petitions to sign with barely a shake of the head.
6. Don’t give up and join in with something just because you fear being isolated or thought unfriendly. All sorts of people are at or around universities. If you don’t find your level or your kind of people straight away, this does not mean that you never will. It all takes time.