Hi unicornsaregood
I totally understand how you feel about the social anxiety with going to uni. I struggle with it myself, especially being a very introverted person. I'm feeling the same about going back to uni again this year! But I just keep reminding myself what I'm there for - to study and learn. I don't have any personal experience with the eating disorder side of things, but I know what it's like to not feel like you measure up or look a certain way. I study at a Performing Arts School, so it's VERY looks centred. It can be a really negative, shallow, and "show off" environment where you feel like you have to always be bubbly and looking a certain way. I'm constantly battling with telling myself I'm here because I love performing and ignoring the negativity, and succumbing to it and feeling bad about myself. But through my introverted personality, and the deeper outlook on life I try to have, I've found a select few people at uni who I know like me for the right reasons, and who have my back. We're kind of an oddball group, but I know that I don't always have to be looking my best, or feeling the best, or even talk. I hope you can find a similar group of people at your uni who you feel comfortable to be yourself around and who love you for you. All the best for your year!
