This blog was written by our semester intern, Min.
We all have our messy, uncertain and low-energy days. They’re real and more common than you think.
Between deadlines, part-time work (for some of us) and figuring out your “five-year plan” (???), it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one who’s low-key spiraling.
Here are a few things no one talks about enough but so many of us experience:
The financial stress is real
Whether you’re living off savings, a student loan or getting a bit of help from home, money stress can still find a way in.
For me, the basics came first: rent, groceries, my Myki and keeping my phone plan alive. Everything else? Had to wait.
That meant saying no to dinners out, skipping movie nights and quietly sitting out spontaneous plans. Sometimes I made up excuses — not because I didn’t want to go, but because saying, “I can’t afford it right now” felt awkward, even though it shouldn’t have to.
Saying no isn’t weakness – it’s self-respect. Protecting your energy (and your wallet) is part of looking after yourself. The more you practice it, the less heavy it feels.
Financial stress is draining. But you’re not alone. And there’s no shame in building your life one practical, honest step at a time.
Feeling like you’re behind
Some of your friends are doing internships, launching side hustles or smashing high distinctions and you’re just trying to survive the group assignment.
It can feel like you’re falling behind. But here’s what I’ve learned: helping a mate, showing up on tough days or volunteering for something you care about? That’s growth too, even if it never makes it to your LinkedIn.
Everyone moves at their own pace. It’s not about being the fastest, it’s about moving forward in a way that works for you. And honestly, most of us are figuring it out as we go.
Wondering if you’re in the right course
You picked this course, maybe even moved across the world for it but now you’re wondering if it’s the right fit.
Is this really what I want? Am I wasting time (or money)? Should I be doing something else?
Uni should spark curiosity, not anxiety.
Having doubts doesn’t mean you failed, it means you’re paying attention. Opening up when you’re unsure is strength, not weakness.
Try to talk it out. Book an appointment with a student advisor, or chat with someone you trust who knows your worth. One conversation might not solve everything, but it can give you just enough clarity to move forward.
If any of these feel familiar, here are some ways to ground yourself and get support…
- Talk to someone. You don’t have to carry it all alone. La Trobe offers a wide range of wellbeing services – from counselling and mental health, financial counselling, to spiritual wellbeing, AccessAbility support, LGBTIQA+ Health, and more. There’s probably a service you didn’t even know existed. 👉 Explore your options here.
- Don’t compare timelines. Your path is valid even if it looks different.
- Find your small anchors. Whether it’s a walk, a routine, a recipe you love or a playlist that lifts you up, little things that ground you can make a big difference when the days feel heavy.
Final thoughts:
If uni feels heavier than expected. You’re not weird, you’re human. You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re growing. The best thing you can do? Start the convo. Check in with La Trobe’s wellbeing services. You deserve support.
Because no one talks about this part of uni… but maybe you can. And someone else is waiting to hear that it’s okay to not have it all figured out.