Imposter syndrome is one of those experiences that many students face but rarely talk about openly. It is the constant feeling that you do not belong, that you are not good enough, and that at any moment, someone will realise you are a “fraud”. No matter how hard you work or how much you achieve, there is a quiet voice in the back of your mind telling you that you somehow slipped through the cracks.
This feeling often becomes more intense at university. You are suddenly surrounded by high-achieving peers, all navigating their own journeys, ambitions, and opportunities. You might see people you started first year with excelling academically, securing internships, leading societies, or appearing effortlessly confident in everything they do. From the outside, it looks like everyone else has it figured out.
It is easy, in those moments, to believe that you are falling behind while everyone else is moving forward. You begin to question your abilities, your choices, and even whether you deserve to be where you are. Comparison becomes a daily habit, and slowly, self-doubt starts to overshadow your achievements.
What we often forget is that university is not just preparing you for a degree; it is preparing you for life. Beyond graduation, you will always encounter people who progress faster, take different paths, or reach milestones before you. In the workplace, some colleagues will get promotions earlier, others will move industries, and some will appear to have everything perfectly planned. This does not mean you are less capable or less deserving. It simply means you are running a different marathon.
For international students, imposter syndrome can feel even heavier. Navigating a new education system while adjusting to cultural differences, accents, language barriers, and unspoken expectations can be overwhelming. You may feel pressure to prove that you belong in academic spaces, that your voice deserves to be heard, and that your presence is justified. Even when you are performing well, self-doubt can linger.
Sometimes, imposter syndrome shows up subtly. Other times, it is impossible to ignore. It often looks like downplaying your achievements, brushing off compliments, or attributing success to luck rather than effort. It can manifest as a fear of speaking up in seminars, worrying that your contributions are not “good enough”. For some, it leads to overworking; constantly trying to prove worth through productivity. For others, it results in avoiding opportunities altogether, out of fear of failing or being exposed.
The exhausting part of imposter syndrome is that it convinces you that no matter what you do, it will never be enough.
Coping with imposter syndrome starts with awareness. Recognising that these feelings are common, and not a personal failure,is incredibly powerful. Many of the people you admire are likely struggling with similar doubts, even if they do not show it. Imposter syndrome does not mean you do not belong; it often means you care deeply about doing well.
One helpful strategy is keeping a record of your achievements, both big and small. When self-doubt creeps in, having tangible reminders of what you have accomplished can help ground you in reality. Talking openly about these feelings with trusted friends, mentors, or tutors can also be incredibly validating. More often than not, you will realise that you are not alone.
Challenging negative self-talk is another important step. When you catch yourself thinking, I’m not good enough or I don’t deserve this, pause and question where that thought is coming from. Would you say the same thing to a friend in your position? Probably not. Learning to be kinder to yourself takes time, but it is essential.
Shifting focus from comparison to personal growth can also help. Instead of measuring success by what others are doing, ask yourself what progress looks like for you. Growth is not always visible or linear. Sometimes, simply showing up, trying again, or learning from mistakes is enough.
Staying in your own lane does not mean abandoning ambition. It means defining success on your own terms. Your path does not need to look like anyone else’s to be valid. Timing matters, and everyone’s timing is different. What feels like a delay is often just preparation.
Imposter syndrome may not disappear overnight, but it does not have to control you. You are allowed to take up space. You are allowed to learn, to grow, and to take time figuring things out. Your journey is valid, even when it looks different from those around you.
