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The 3 Hardest Parts of University (and How to Cope with Them)

Aug 20 , 2025

Are you ready to start university? Perhaps you are in the middle of it. While many people depict university as the most exciting time of a young person’s life, there are many challenges that can often feel overwhelming. Read about the three hardest parts of university here, as well as how to cope with them.

1. Academic Work – Particularly The Dissertation

One of the biggest challenges for university students is keeping up with the work and ensuring they get the grade they are aiming for.

You may be in the very first year of university, or perhaps you haven’t even started your first semester yet. As such, the idea of the dissertation is probably the last thing on your mind. It’s a big deal, though, and will make up a huge part of your schedule when the final year rolls around.

There’s no denying that from beginning to end, the dissertation process can be incredibly stressful. Remember to speak to your professors for advice and feedback, as this goes a long way. Once you are through that major hurdle and have completed it, remember to celebrate! Investing in high-quality dissertation binding is the best way to have a tangible, physical copy that you can feel proud of. A well-printed dissertation can also be impressive to your professors. Having it there to look at in the future will also prove more helpful than you might originally assume.

2. Feeling Lonely and Homesick

It is common for university students to look around and assume that everyone else has adapted extremely well, and that they are the only ones feeling lonely or homesick. That is simply not the case. For most university students, it is their first time living away from their family homes, which is a massive deal. Some people do not make friends as fast as others, too. This can all lead to feelings of loneliness and homesickness.

If you experience this, do not be afraid of reaching out for help. UK universities always have mental health services if you need them. You can also join groups to help build better connections – often, you’ll find social groups specific to people with social issues or mental health difficulties. No matter what boat you are in, there will be someone at the university ready and willing to help you through it.

3. Staying Physically and Mentally Healthy

University often means a jam-packed schedule. You will likely have many responsibilities, including submitting essays, attending lectures, reading books, managing a social life, and perhaps also having a job to supplement your earnings (student loans often don’t cover it all, after all!).

With all of this going on, it is hard to stay both physically and mentally healthy. It is crucial, though, as you will have a better experience and get a better grade if you focus on your well-being. It helps to create a structured schedule at the beginning of each week, carving out time that focuses on you. For example, that might mean batch cooking healthier meals, going to the university gym, or simply spending some time alone catching up with your favourite TV show!