Results Day & Uni Transitions: Coping with Teen Anxiety
The transition from secondary school to university is a defining milestone in a teenager’s life. It’s a time marked by newfound independence, academic challenges, and social shifts - often paired with a mix of excitement and anxiety. One of the most emotionally charged moments in this journey is Results Day. How parents and caregivers respond during this time can set the tone for a young person’s confidence and resilience moving forward.
This week, we spoke with Dr. Helen Curran, coach and consultant, who offered invaluable insights into supporting teens through Results Day and the transition to university life.
Preparing for Results Day: Plan Ahead, Stay Calm
Preparation for Results Day should begin well before the envelope or email arrives. Have open conversations with your teenager about how they want to receive their results - whether in person or at home - and what the day might look like emotionally and practically.
Discuss different outcomes and what next steps might be for each. Having a plan A, B, and even C can help alleviate the pressure. If the results aren’t what your teen hoped for, reassure them that there are always alternatives, such as clearing, resits, or exploring different pathways.
Your response is crucial. Teenagers often mirror the emotional tone set by the adults around them. Stay calm, supportive, and solution-focused.
Navigating the Leap to University Life
University brings a major shift in learning style and lifestyle. The structured environment of school gives way to a self-directed approach, demanding stronger skills in time management, organisation, and self-motivation.
Help teens build these skills gradually before they start. Budgeting, managing their own schedule, preparing meals, and balancing work and rest are all practical areas to explore. Encourage them to research and engage with their university’s support services early - including academic advisors, student unions, and wellbeing teams.
For many teens, especially neurodivergent students, this shift can be particularly daunting. Executive functioning challenges like time management, emotional regulation, and task initiation may become more pronounced. Thankfully, universities offer a range of support services, including Disability Services and the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), which can provide mentoring, study skills support, and assistive technologies. Encourage early registration with these services and participation in transition or orientation sessions.
Encouraging Emotional Well-being and Social Belonging
Emotional well-being is just as important as academic success. The pressure to fit in socially, combined with the stress of adjusting to a new environment, can be overwhelming. Encourage your teen to seek out communities and social groups that align with their interests, such as societies, clubs, or volunteering opportunities.
Let them know it’s normal to feel out of place at first. Finding their “tribe” and building meaningful connections often takes time.
Support them in identifying healthy coping mechanisms - exercise, hobbies, journaling, mindfulness, or simply staying connected with friends and family can go a long way.
Keeping the Conversation Going
Open communication is your strongest tool. Set reasonable expectations around keeping in touch - whether it’s a weekly phone call, occasional texts, or spontaneous check-ins. Keep your questions open-ended to create space for more honest and reflective conversations.
Ask things like:
“What’s been the highlight of your week?”
“Is there anything you’re finding tricky?”
“What’s something you’re looking forward to?”
This approach helps keep the lines of communication open without feeling overbearing and is a good way to get a feel for how they’re really feeling.
Final Thoughts: Be Present, Be Patient
Supporting a teenager through Results Day and the university transition isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about being present, empathetic, and encouraging independence at a pace that suits them.
There will be ups and downs, and that’s okay. By preparing thoughtfully, maintaining open dialogue, and helping teens access the right support, you’re equipping them with tools they’ll use long after the first term ends.
Remember: It’s not just about getting into university - it’s about thriving once they’re there.
For further guidance, explore your teen’s university resources or consider speaking with a coach or counselor who specialises in adolescent transitions.