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Have you ever sat in a lecture, looked around the room, and thought, “These people are all so smart and capable. I’m not. I don’t fit. I don’t belong here”? If you have, you’re not alone. That feeling even has a name: imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is that nagging belief that you’re not really as capable, intelligent, or deserving as others think you are – and that it’s only a matter of time before you’re “found out.” It’s not an official mental health diagnosis, but it’s a very real experience for millions of people, like students stepping into new, challenging environments.
If you come from a less privileged background, the feeling can be especially strong. When you’re the first in your family to go to university, you might not have grown up surrounded by people who could explain the system, the unwritten rules, or the everyday culture of campus life. You might feel like you’re stepping into a world that wasn’t “built for you.” But here’s the thing: you earned your place. You are here because you have the ability, the potential, and the right to be here.
Imposter syndrome often shows up when:
- You’re in a new environment (like starting university).
- You’re surrounded by high achievers and start comparing yourself.
- You’ve set very high standards for yourself.
- You don’t see people with your background in the space you’re in.
The brain’s trick is that it focuses on your doubts and mistakes while ignoring your strengths and successes. You remember the one awkward answer you gave in class but forget the insightful comment you made last week. You notice the one assignment you struggled with but overlook the four you did well on.
And because you don’t see the struggles of others, but only their highlights, you assume they’re confident and in control, even though they might be feeling just as uncertain as you are.
If left unchecked, imposter syndrome can make you overwork to “prove” yourself, leading to burnout, or, perhaps even worse, it can paralyse you, keeping you from trying new things and learning in the process. It may stop you from speaking up in class or joining discussions, or, when you do participate, make you so nervous that you can’t give your best. It causes enormous, unnecessary stress, anxiety, and self-doubt.
Let’s think of practical ways to work with it.
- Name it
Recognising it is the first step. When those “I’m not good enough” thoughts pop up, remind yourself: This is imposter syndrome talking. By naming it, you create distance from the thought and stop it from feeling like an absolute truth. (This often happens when you’re lying awake at three in the morning. Don’t take anything seriously that comes to haunt you in those dark hours. Things will look different in the morning.) - Remember how you got here
You did not win your place in a lottery. You earned it with hard work and solid results. Yes, you can. - Keep a success file
Write down achievements, positive feedback, and moments when you overcame challenges. On tough days, look back at this list. It’s hard to argue with evidence. - Shift your perspective
Instead of thinking, I don’t belong here, try, I’m here to learn and grow.
Remember: university is about progress, not perfection. Nobody arrives knowing everything. You’re supposed to make mistakes—that’s how you learn. - Talk about it
Find someone you can trust and share your feelings. It could be a friend, a mentor, or a counsellor. You might be surprised to learn how many others feel the same way. Sometimes, simply saying the words out loud reduces their power.
Confidence often comes after action. You apply for the internship before you feel ready. You speak up in class before you’re sure you have the perfect answer. You submit the assignment before you’ve convinced yourself it’s “good enough.” And then if it works, you stop and notice, and say to that voice in your head, “See? I can.”
Belonging isn’t something others grant you, it’s something you claim for yourself. There’s a wonderful series on Netflix at the moment, called Self Made. It tells the true story of the first black woman millionaire in America. She developed hair products, because she needed it herself. Men, both white and black, told her a woman couldn’t – or even shouldn’t – aspire to have a factory. Other women in the business told her she would never succeed, because she didn’t “look right” – she had a dark skin and a big body. She pushed through, finding her market and her tribe: ordinary women, not especially beautiful, who also wanted to look their best. Learn from her: keep going. Do what you can, as well as possible. You have earned your place. Do not doubt that.
For first-generation students, or those of you who come from a less privileged background: your journey might be different from some of your peers, but that difference can be a huge advantage. You’ve already shown resilience, adaptability, and determination by getting to university. Those are the qualities every student needs – every person, in whatever role, actually – to grow towards success.
The next time you think, “I don’t belong here”, answer back: “I do. I worked hard to get here, and I’m still learning. That’s what this place is for.”
Enjoy your week!
The GRAD team
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