When I first started university I genuinely thought I had to deal with everything on my own. Everyone around me seemed busy, confident, and like they knew exactly what they were doing. I did not want to admit I was struggling because it felt like that meant I was failing or not coping properly. Looking back now I realise how common that feeling is and how much easier things might have been if I had reached out sooner.

University brings a lot of change all at once. For me it was deadlines piling up, worrying about money, trying to juggle studying with work, and fitting in a social life. Some days felt manageable but other days felt overwhelming. I remember telling myself I would deal with it later or that it was not that bad. But keeping everything to myself only made it feel heavier. Over time I learned that carrying it all alone makes even small challenges feel much bigger than they really are.

What I have learned is that reaching out for support does not mean you are weak or failing. It means you are being honest about how you are feeling. The first time I opened up to someone I did not even know exactly what I wanted to say. I just knew that I could not keep everything bottled up any longer. That conversation did not solve all my problems but it helped me feel less alone and that made a bigger difference than I expected.

One of the hardest parts of university is comparison. It is easy to look around and think that everyone else is coping better than you, especially when social media only shows the highlights. But once I started talking more openly I realised how many students were feeling the same way. Stress, anxiety, self doubt, and feeling overwhelmed are far more common than we think and yet we do not talk about them enough. Starting these conversations can show you that you are not the only one going through it and that everyone has their own challenges that may not be visible.

Today, 5 February 2026, is Time to Talk Day. This is a day to encourage students to brave the big talk and start conversations about mental health experiences that might still feel unspoken. We have made real progress in reducing stigma around mental health and improving attitudes but there is still more to do. There are still times when what we are living through can feel really big and difficult to talk about. Time to Talk Day is about creating space for those conversations, reminding ourselves that opening up can help, and encouraging everyone to listen without judgement. You do not need to have the right words or solutions. Sometimes just speaking or being listened to is enough to make a difference.

University life does have its positives. There are moments of independence, achievement, and connection that feel really rewarding. But those moments do not cancel out the difficult days. Both can exist at the same time and it is okay to admit when things are hard. Reaching out for support is one way of looking after your wellbeing even when you do not have all the answers.

If I could say one thing to other students it would be this. You do not need to wait until you are at breaking point to ask for help. If something is affecting you it matters. Whether it is a friend, a course mate, or someone at the Students Union, starting the conversation can help you feel heard, understood, and supported. You might be surprised how much relief it can bring to just speak about what is on your mind.

Time to Talk is a reminder that you do not have to go through university alone. If you are not sure where to start, Huddersfield Students Union Advice offers confidential and non judgemental support for students. You can reach out to them safely at https://www.huddersfieldsu.co.uk/advice and they will help you work through what you are feeling without pressure or judgement.

Starting the conversation might feel difficult but you deserve support and you are not alone. Even a small step towards talking to someone can make a difference and help you feel less weighed down by everything. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your studies or your social life.