What is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome, a term coined by psychologists Suzanna Imes and Pauline Rose Clance in the 1970s, is the unsettling feeling that you’re a fake or a fraud: that your successes are just luck, everyone else is smarter, and you don’t belong. Many university students feel this way, especially when starting a new course or facing a challenge. These feelings are common and can add to the difficulty of studying and learning. Factors like family background, heritage, gender, culture, income, age, and race can add to imposter syndrome. For many students, imposter syndrome can make it tough not only to stay in school but also to excel.

Why Do Students Experience Imposter Syndrome? 

Imposter syndrome can happen to anyone, but it’s especially common among students. Here are some reasons why: 

1. High Expectations: University is full of smart, talented people. Seeing others succeed can make you doubt your abilities, even if you're doing well. 
2. New Challenges: University classes are more challenging than high school, requiring more independent thinking and studying, which can lead to feelings of being unprepared and unsure. 
3. Comparison: The competitive environment can lead to constant self-comparison, making you feel like you're the only one struggling, even though many classmates are too. 
4. Perfectionism: Setting very high standards and striving for perfection can lead to self-doubt. Any mistake or less-than-perfect result can make you feel inadequate. 

Understanding these reasons can help you realize you are not alone, and that these feelings are normal during university. 

Top 5 Tips to Tackle Imposter Syndrome 

Feeling like an imposter is difficult, but there are ways to manage and overcome these feelings. Here are five tips to help you tackle imposter syndrome: 

1. Talk About It: Share your feelings with friends, family, or a counselor. Talking about your doubts can help you realize that many people feel the same way. It’s okay to ask for support and advice. 
2. Recognize Your Achievements: Keep a journal of your accomplishments, no matter how small. Reflect on the positive feedback you’ve received from professors, peers, or even yourself. This can help you see your progress and build confidence. 
3. Stop Comparing Yourself: Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your personal growth. Remember that everyone has their journey and struggles. 
4. Accept Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Everyone makes mistakes. Instead of seeing them as failures, view them as chances to learn and improve. No one expects you to be perfect, and making mistakes is a natural part of learning. 
5. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Setting achievable goals can help you stay focused and motivated. Celebrate when you complete each step and give yourself credit for your hard work. 

University is a time of growth and learning, and feeling unsure of yourself is part of that process. You were accepted because you have potential and abilities, so believe in yourself and your journey. Imposter syndrome may never completely go away; it might resurface at your first job, after promotions, or when you achieve significant milestones. Even the most successful people experience it, but it’s a sign of your humanity, not your incompetence. 

Everyone experiences doubts and fears. By talking about your feelings, recognizing your achievements, avoiding comparisons, learning from mistakes, and setting realistic goals, you can overcome imposter syndrome and thrive. Don’t think this feeling is bad or a sign of a problem – it just means you’re a real person like everyone else. Embrace it, use that nervous energy to empower yourself, and remember you belong here.