{"id":254218,"date":"2024-07-30T22:47:26","date_gmt":"2024-07-30T22:47:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca\/uviclearn\/?p=254218"},"modified":"2025-08-20T19:06:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T19:06:49","slug":"navigating-overwhelm-as-a-first-year-university-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca\/uviclearn\/getting-started\/navigating-overwhelm-as-a-first-year-university-student\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating overwhelm as a first-year university student"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#F0F0F0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||35px||false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>As a first-year university student, you might feel initially overwhelmed by different aspects of university life. The size of your classes, the amount of independent work required, the types of assessments used, or the academic expectations of your course instructors might differ from previous educational institutions you\u2019ve attended.<\/p>\n<p>Some key strategies for managing overwhelm as a first-year student include determining course expectations, creating a balanced schedule, attending course lectures, and reviewing course materials.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#005493&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<iframe class=\"uvicecho360 uvicecho360_94e90c6e93cdcf62ed82c6086775d120\" allowfullscreen=\"false\" height=\"340\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/echo360.ca\/media\/f0a10cfb-58d9-4777-8e4c-af495b8035bd\/public?autoplay=false&#038;automute=false\" width=\"560\" id=\"VidPlayerPlaceholder_69e109d209e41\"><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Determine course expectations&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; font_icon=&#8221;&#x5c;||divi||400&#8243; icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; icon_placement=&#8221;left&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Read through your course outline or syllabus carefully. You may also see an outline of the topics covered each week, the objectives of your course, and a list of due dates for required assignments. Ask your professors or teaching assistants if you have questions.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<iframe class=\"uvicecho360 uvicecho360_8e21d91402784231c82709bf600ccc00\" allowfullscreen=\"false\" height=\"340\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/echo360.ca\/media\/b8bbefee-5844-45d0-9086-37d9e0dc9e3c\/public?autoplay=false&#038;automute=false\" width=\"560\" id=\"VidPlayerPlaceholder_69e109d209ea7\"><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Create a balanced schedule&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; font_icon=&#8221;&#x5c;||divi||400&#8243; icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; icon_placement=&#8221;left&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Create a weekly plan that ensures you have enough time to work on each course. Set aside at least 2 to 3\u00a0hours of course work for every hour of class time. Include time for fun, relaxation, exercise, meals, and sleep to prevent burnout. In your plan include academic deadlines, smaller progress deadlines, as well as other personal obligations.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<iframe class=\"uvicecho360 uvicecho360_479b8bf3d0751f5c6d9fddc480ad5ea7\" allowfullscreen=\"false\" height=\"340\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/echo360.ca\/media\/c9cac6f7-afeb-4dc3-8b35-ff0a425fd3ed\/public?autoplay=false&#038;automute=false\" width=\"560\" id=\"VidPlayerPlaceholder_69e109d209ede\"><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Attend course lectures &#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; font_icon=&#8221;&#x5c;||divi||400&#8243; icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; icon_placement=&#8221;left&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Whether your lectures are in person or online, it&#8217;s helpful to review lecture notes, outlines, or slides before attending or watching course lectures. You may wish to have your lecture notes available so that you can add additional details.<\/p>\n<p>If you have assigned readings, aim to preview those texts beforehand to make your lecture easier to understand. If your class is in person, sit in a location where you can easily see and hear your course instructor. If your lecture is online, view your lecture in a space that\u2019s free from distractions. If the opportunity arises, befriend a classmate in each course so you can compare notes later.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<iframe class=\"uvicecho360 uvicecho360_2a51faaa63a6cba681b1ea0f51da7c3f\" allowfullscreen=\"false\" height=\"340\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/echo360.ca\/media\/4d8b9666-04d6-4e30-ac05-837e61f5cf33\/public?autoplay=false&#038;automute=false\" width=\"560\" id=\"VidPlayerPlaceholder_69e109d209f01\"><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Review course materials&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; font_icon=&#8221;&#x5c;||divi||400&#8243; icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; icon_placement=&#8221;left&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Set aside time to periodically review your notes. If possible, form a study group to review course materials and create mock assessment questions. If you&#8217;re not sure about a course concept or learning outcome, ask for clarification from your instructor or TA during their office hours.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<iframe class=\"uvicecho360 uvicecho360_54bcd73f2d4492fbf5795a97353eb10e\" allowfullscreen=\"false\" height=\"340\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/echo360.ca\/media\/705c223c-4fa8-4cb4-a5cd-39747e5698e3\/public?autoplay=false&#038;automute=false\" width=\"560\" id=\"VidPlayerPlaceholder_69e109d209f20\"><\/iframe>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; global_module=&#8221;254169&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row module_id=&#8221;book&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#F5AA1C&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_cta title=&#8221;To learn more about this topic and to get help&#8221; button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/uvic.mywconline.com\/&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Book an appointment&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#002754&#8243; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#005493&#8243; button_bg_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; link_option_url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Book a <strong>free<\/strong> in-person or online appointment with an academic skills advisor at the Academic Skills Centre!<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a first-year university student, you might feel overwhelmed by different aspects of university life. This article will help you figure out where to start, as you adjust to university life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19748,"featured_media":254135,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[82,109],"tags":[148,147,150,151,152,103,153,155,149,145,140,146,156,154],"class_list":["post-254218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-getting-started","category-well-being","tag-anxiety","tag-anxious","tag-confused","tag-confusion","tag-first-generation","tag-first-year","tag-new-to-university","tag-new-to-uvic","tag-overloaded","tag-overwhelmed","tag-stress","tag-stressed","tag-university-101","tag-university-life"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Navigating overwhelm as a first-year university student - UVicLearn<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As a first-year university student, you might feel overwhelmed by different aspects of university life. 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