Student Anxiety: What It Actually Looks Like, What Causes It, and What to Do

Student anxiety is not a vague idea. It’s very real, it’s measurable, and it impacts thousands of people in the UK every year. Not just stress before an exam — that’s normal. We’re talking about ongoing anxiety that lingers, disrupts sleep, blocks concentration, and sometimes makes students think about quitting altogether.

Anxiety Symptoms Students Shouldn’t Ignore

Anxiety doesn’t always scream its name. It shows up as health anxiety symptoms — constant checking, worrying about illness, headaches, stomach pain, racing heart. Some students end up in GP offices over and over because physical anxiety feels like real medical problems.

Other times it’s harder to pin down. Classic anxiety symptoms like shaking hands, sweating, loss of appetite, or brain fog before deadlines. Left alone, these grow into more severe patterns. This is often the time where its a good idea to seek support

Anticipatory Anxiety: Why Exams and Presentations Feel Impossible

One form of anxiety common among students is anticipatory anxiety. This means the fear doesn’t just arrive during an exam or presentation — it kicks in days or weeks before. A lecture slot appears on the calendar and the dread starts early. Sleep breaks down, revision becomes avoidance, and by the time the event arrives, students are already burned out.

At Glasgow University and across the UK, this type of anxiety is what fills counselling services around exam season. It’s not just “nerves.” It’s constant rehearsal of worst-case scenarios.

Trait Anxiety and Personality

Some students deal with what psychologists call trait anxiety. It’s less about single stressful events and more about how someone is wired to react to stress in general. Students with high trait anxiety find even normal assignments overwhelming. They might do fine in one course, but the overall academic environment still pushes them into chronic tension. Recognising trait anxiety matters because strategies differ. For these students, it’s not only about tackling deadlines — it’s about building routines and coping tools for the long run.

The Strange Link: Anxiety and Dreams

Anxiety doesn’t clock out when students go to bed. Sleep disruption is a classic symptom. Some even report what’s called an anxiety dream — nightmares about missing exams, forgetting coursework, or being trapped in impossible situations. These dreams aren’t random. They’re tied to the subconscious rehearsing stress. Poor sleep from anxiety dreams makes concentration worse the next day, which loops back into more anxiety.

When Health Anxiety Takes Over

A particular problem is health anxiety ruining my life — and yes, students really search for that phrase. University-age adults often worry excessively about illnesses, especially when away from home and managing health independently for the first time. Every stomach cramp or skipped heartbeat becomes a crisis.

For students, health anxiety adds a double burden: stress about health and stress about falling behind academically. Some end up missing classes because they’re too focused on symptoms.

What Universities Do (and Don’t Do)

Universities across the UK — Glasgow included — offer counselling, peer groups, and workshops. But wait times are long, and services often short-term. Students with recurring health anxiety symptoms or chronic anticipatory anxiety sometimes don’t get the depth of support needed.

This is why external help (NHS, SAMH, helplines) is often essential. Students can’t afford to just wait for exam season to pass.

If anxiety is affecting your studies or daily life, waiting it out usually makes things harder. Talking it through with someone trained can make a real difference. At Brain Botanics, we offer one-to-one consultations focused on student mental health, anxiety management, and practical coping tools you can actually use.

👉 Book a consultation today and take the first step toward getting the right support.

FAQs

What are the signs of anxiety in students?

Signs range from physical issues like racing heart and headaches to mental symptoms like constant worry, avoidance, or anxiety dreams.

How do I know if my anxiety is normal or a disorder?

Occasional stress is normal. But if you notice recurring health anxiety symptoms, persistent dread, or if anxiety is ruining your studies, it’s worth seeking professional support.

Why do exams trigger so much stress?

Because of anticipatory anxiety. The brain rehearses worst-case scenarios, and it feels real long before the exam even happens.

Can anxiety ruin my university experience?

Yes — many students say things like “health anxiety is ruining my life.” Without support, anxiety can spiral into avoidance, academic failure, or depression.