Dealing with Imposter Syndrome at University 

Whether you are a fresher — just entering into the new and sometimes intimidating space of university — or a returning student, you may experience imposter syndrome.

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‘Imposter syndrome’ is a phrase that’s used a lot on social media and amongst students, but what does it actually mean?

 

Cuncic for Very Well Mind says that imposter syndrome can mean that “you feel as though at any moment you are going to be found out as a fraud—like you don't belong where you are, and you only got there through dumb luck” and Corkindale for the Harvard Business Review defines it “as a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success”. 

 

Imposter syndrome can make you feel like a fraud and that you’ve somehow tricked your way into university (don’t worry — you haven’t).

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When I first arrived at university two years ago, I experienced imposter syndrome before I even knew what it meant.

 

As a newly turned 18-year-old just arriving on campus, I was already nervous about settling in and starting classes that I already thought I wasn’t going to be able to keep up with.

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My fears that I didn’t fit in, that I was a fraud and that I was just pretending I belonged there only grew as term started.

 

I remember sitting in seminars — where my peers were using academic and scholarly language to articulate brilliant ideas about the set reading — and feeling like a fraud. I thought I was an imposter in this space and that my ideas would never be good enough. 

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From my experience, seminars are a breeding ground for imposter syndrome.

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The small group environment is amazing for sharing ideas and encouraging discussion. Sometimes, however, competitiveness creeps in and people act as if a seminar discussion is almost a competition.

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Needless to say, the sometimes competitive environment of seminars, where everyone is contributing many ideas and battling it out to see who has the best thoughts about the reading, is not ideal for someone feeling like an imposter.

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When in these situations, remind yourself that just because your peers contribute a lot of ideas and thoughts in seminars, that doesn't mean you don’t belong there. Your peers have amazing ideas and belong in university spaces, but so do you! 

 

Psychology Today states that “people should stay focused on measuring their own achievements, instead of comparing themselves to others”.

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Stop comparing yourself to those in your seminar class (easier said than done, I know), and instead, focus on your thoughts about the reading.

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My feelings of being an imposter were heightened as my university has a high ratio of private to state-educated students and as a state-school educated student, I did sometimes feel like I didn’t belong.

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I felt like I had to assimilate into this environment of privately educated students and being in this environment made me question whether I belonged in a university setting at times.

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Was I smart enough?

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Rich enough?

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Posh enough?

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I felt like these were prerequisites for attending university and that I was an imposter in this space.

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Luckily, I’ve realised that it doesn't matter how smart, rich or posh I am — I belong in a university setting.

 

I urge anyone who may start to feel the edges of imposter syndrome creeping in to remind yourself that university spaces are for you. You deserve to take up space in them!

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Here are some tips to help deal with imposter syndrome. These may not work for everyone but they helped me:

 

1. Remind yourself that you belong in that space!

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When you start to feel doubtful if you do actually belong at university, remind yourself that you are there for a reason. You met the entry requirements like everyone else, the university chose you. You have as much right to be in that space as everyone else.

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2. Talk to someone you trust

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Dealing with imposter syndrome can be exhausting and sometimes you might just need to talk to someone who can support you with what you're going through. Talk to someone you trust about your feelings around imposter syndrome. 

 

Not only does sharing your thoughts take a weight off your shoulders, by externalising your feelings around imposter syndrome you could start to work through it.

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3. Surround yourself with people that inspire you

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Surround yourself with people that inspire you and that you like spending time with. Maybe it’s someone from a society that you have lots in common with or a coursemate that’s also battling imposter syndrome. 

 

Finding amazing course mates who I could have fun with, but who also understood what I was going through, definitely helped me feel less alone when dealing with imposter syndrome. Even if it’s just to take your mind off of university work in general, finding people that inspire you and that you can connect with definitely makes university life a bit easier.

 

4. Remind yourself of your achievements

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Psychology today says that “reflecting on your concrete achievements” can help fight imposter syndrome.

 

Instead of dwelling on what others have achieved, remind yourself of all that you have achieved. You’re in the same university as your peers and have also achieved many amazing things!

 

As the academic year begins, keep these in mind as you navigate university spaces. Remind yourself that you are not alone in this and that you belong at university.