University can bring moments of achievement, excitement, and new challenges. But it can also bring feelings of doubt. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t deserve your place or that others will "find out" you’re not as capable as they think you are, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome.
It’s normal to feel unsure when starting something new, like a subject, task, or meeting new people. Over time, as you gain experience, your confidence grows. You’ve likely felt this before when starting a job, joining a club, or learning something for the first time. Positive feedback and recognising your own progress can help challenge feeling of being an imposter. This page shares simple strategies to support you at university.
Why do you feel like an imposter?
Imposter syndrome can affect anyone and is a common experience, particularly in academic settings or work environments. It can make you feel like a fraud or have feelings of not being ’good enough’, even when you’re doing well. Sometimes these feelings may hold you back by delaying work or assignments or avoiding attending events. These thoughts can show up in many ways, such as:
- Thinking you only got accepted by mistake
- Doubting your abilities despite evidence of your success
- Feeling you need to work much harder than others to keep up
- Struggling to accept praise or compliments
- Hesitation to share your ideas for fear of judgment or being wrong
- Frequently comparing yourself to others
- Finding it hard to enjoy or recognise your accomplishments
- A general sense of incompetence
- Fear of failure
It can be difficult to spot and is often made up of a mix of these feelings to create an overall self-doubt. Often, they come from a pressure to succeed, comparing yourself to others or perceived expectations.
It can have an impact on your overall wellbeing by feeling anxious, stressed, burnt out or having a general low self-esteem.
What can you do to help now?
Managing imposter syndrome doesn’t mean pretending you never feel doubtful, it’s about recognising and accepting how you feel.
3 things you can do right now to help how you are feeling:
Write down 3 things you have done well today. Starting to recognise daily wins no matter how small can help build your confidence. Continue to do this for a week and reflect on why they went well. This Three Good Things activity is an evidence-based tool by psychologist Martin Seligman.
Take a break if you are feeling doubtful or overworking, it’s important to give your body and mind a break. Do something you enjoy like exercise, cooking or attending a student group.
Listen to a mindfulness podcast. This can help you reset, shift your perspective and reframe your thoughts.
Things you should be aware of moving forward:
- Be aware of your language- rather than thinking you were’ lucky’ to achieve something focus on the things you did to earn it.
- Challenge negative thoughts. If you feel like you don’t belong somewhere ask yourself what evidence is there to suggest that. What would you say to a friend in the same position?
- Remind yourself of your own achievements and strengths rather than focusing on something that hasn’t gone well.
- Try to accept the fact that you can’t do everything perfectly and set realistic goals. Aim for progress not perfectionism.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others. We all have different journeys and strengths. Focus on yourself.
- Embrace learning, if you feel you are weaker in an area take a course or read up on it. You may find you know more than you gave yourself credit for.
- Work on building your academic skills to build your confidence and knowledge. Using the Skills centre to improve your academic skills can support this.
- Think about who praises you and reflect on whether you listen to their positivity about you.
Videos to help you manage imposter syndrome
These videos explore imposter syndrome and provide tools to help you feel more secure in yourself:
- TED-Ed explores What is imposter syndrome and how can you combat it (4 minute watch).
- Mind Tools Videos shares 4 tips to help with overcoming imposter Syndrome (2 minute watch).
- You’re Not a Fraud – explains imposter syndrome and how to manage it (12 minute watch).
Apps and tools you can use
The Be Well app has features to support you if you’re struggling with self-doubt or confidence, including mindfulness podcasts, mood trackers, gratitude tools and journals.
The Be Well app's inbuilt wellbeing AI can also help you explore resources on the app to help you.
Podcasts to listen to
Listening to podcasts can be a great way to explore imposter syndrome and to pick up tips:
- Imposter Syndrome is a short podcast on the Be Well app which will help you identify the signs of Imposter Syndrome and discover practical tips to manage it effectively, helping you reach your full potential (16-minute listen).
- Self Compassion is a short podcast on the Be Well app which helps build confidence and kindness to help reduce self-doubt (14-minute listen).
- BBC Sounds have a collection of podcasts exploring imposter syndrome with tips and advice on how to overcome it.
- FeedSpot lists 15 top podcasts for imposter syndrome you can explore.
Helpful websites
There are many useful resources online that go deeper into managing imposter syndrome:
- Student Space has an article on Managing imposter syndrome and fear of failure.
- The Skills Centre offers resources and workshops to boost academic confidence and run workshops. Explore these on Myskills.
- How to tackle difficult readings and overcome Imposter Syndrome is a helpful blog from the Skills centre.
- Overcome imposter syndrome: 8 simple tips to deal with feeling like a fraud is a blog which is full of useful tips.
- The Imposter Syndrome Institute have a library of articles about imposter syndrome including real life people.
- You may experience imposter syndrome in the workplace. The Careers Service have two useful blogs: “Am I a fraud?” Impostor Syndrome and your career and Five types of impostor syndrome.
People you can talk to
Talking about how you’re feeling can make a big difference. Here are some people who can support you:
- Your Academic Advisor can help with worries about your academic performance or meeting expectations.
- Peer mentors may have experienced similar feelings and can share what helped them.
- Talk to friends, normalising these conversations can help you stop internalising the thoughts of doubt. You may also discover friends feel the same way.
If you need to speak to a professional about your wellbeing our Student Support Advice Team are available and offer in person appointments.
Final thoughts
Imposter syndrome is a common but manageable experience. With the right tools and support, you can challenge self-doubt and recognise your strengths.
This page was created in partnership with students, Student Support and the Skills Centre.