You’re not alone: Imposter Syndrome at University and How to Manage It

I remember receiving a card from my English teacher on the last day of sixth form. Behind an inconspicuous image of young women reading in the sun, it said: 

“Have confidence in yourself and what you have to offer: I’ve been a quiet state school student from Chesterfield in a Russell Group university seminar too, but I promise you that you have the potential to rival your privately educated peers, so don’t be hesitant to speak up and shine!” 

At the time, I felt this was a very touching but unnecessary gesture: I’d got into a red brick university, and was ready to start a new chapter in my life with the confidence that I’d done just the same to get here as everyone else. But going into that first seminar and coming face to face with the reality that I was no longer a big fish in a small pond, I realised how essential this advice was. 

Imposter Syndrome is officially defined as “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills”. But the reality is much more complex. According to the student employment site, Prospects, Imposter Syndrome impacts 70% of adults at some point in their lives, manifesting as one of five tropes:

1. The Perfectionist – someone who feels inadequate if they don’t achieve perfection in all aspects of their life
2. The Natural Genius – someone who doesn’t believe in their own intelligence, and doubts themselves if they don’t get something right the first time
3. The Soloist – someone who feels like a failure if they have to ask for help
4. The Expert – someone who feels like a fraud for not knowing everything there is to know about a subject
5. The Superhero – someone who works harder than everyone else to prove they’re not an imposter, thinking they’re a failure if they don’t reach the highest possible level

Considering this, it’s easy to see how being at university could provide the perfect conditions for Imposter Syndrome to take hold, as has been my own experience, as well as that of many of my peers. So why is this? How does Imposter Syndrome show up at uni, who is it most likely to affect, and what can be done about it? I spoke to a small group of students and graduates from Sheffield to better understand this phenomenon, and hopefully provide some tips for anyone experiencing Imposter Syndrome as the new academic year begins…

There is evidence to suggest that imposter syndrome at university is more likely to impact some groups of people than others. Typically, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, first-generation students, ethnic minorities, women, and high achievers. This certainly rang true for the small group of students I interviewed, with the demographic of people who came forward to speak to me about their experiences being predominantly female and state-school-educated, with a history of getting good grades. Our discussions of imposter syndrome at university varied from a focus on academic life…

“I agree that being a woman at times has likely contributed to my feelings of imposter syndrome, especially in some seminars where there were very vocal male voices. At times, I felt I wasn’t listened to by men in the group, which made me doubt my skills. Other than that I think I just have very high expectations for myself academically and always have done so even when I’m doing well, I can sometimes feel like it’s not enough.” (Politics and French student, female)

… to the social side of university life…

“Coming from a small working-class town, I sometimes felt [imposter syndrome] when what felt like most of my friends were going on holidays in Easter/Christmas breaks while I was working to pay my rent. It can definitely feel frustrating and a bit alienating at times!’ (Emily, a recent MA English Literature graduate, female)

Other factors of identity came into play, too. Yasmin, who studied Sociology, spoke to me about the lack of asian people, especially asian women, on the course, and how this added an extra layer to her feelings of imposter syndrome, which otherwise stemmed from her state-school background and feelings of social exclusion due to living at home during studies. Similarly, Molly, a Performing Arts student at Sheffield Hallam, reflected on how her autism contributed to imposter syndrome at university:

“I have always put pressure on myself as I’m autistic and I never thought I could go to university. I was working with so many talented people, everyone could act really well, and I used to think that I wasn’t capable of doing emotional or dramatic scenes. But looking back at my work, I achieved it.” 

It’s clear that intersectionality is key to understanding imposter syndrome and who it is most likely to impact. These overlapping factors of identity layer on top of one another to create feelings that are as complex as we are. But perhaps it’s reassuring to know that the reasons you feel this way are ultimately beyond your control. 

But don’t despair! Imposter syndrome can be managed. 

Everyone that I spoke to reflected on how these feelings have become more manageable, or even non-existent, over time. Yasmin recently applied for a Master’s course spontaneously, something she would’ve never dreamed of doing three years ago, which she says is a testament to the limited impact that imposter syndrome now has on her life. According to her, instead of focusing on banishing imposter syndrome completely, we should do what we can to tone it down. For example, talking to others and realising that these feelings are normal, focusing on the visible proof of your progress (like grades or personal milestones), and ultimately remembering that you have earned your place at university and have as much right to be there as anyone else. 

For anyone struggling with imposter syndrome who needs some extra support, the following resources are available:

• The 93% club is a society offering tailored events and support targeted at state-schooled students. Find them at the activities fair or on Instagram @the93clubsheffield 
• The university website has pages on imposter syndrome, with information on how to access professional support

Remember you’re not alone, this isn’t your fault, and it’s not forever! As someone who struggles with imposter syndrome myself, sometimes you just have to fake it until you make it!