We know that juggling everything at uni is no easy feat. The fear of missing out (FOMO) can be tricky to manage, but we've determined at least 4 times when you should get involved and embrace your FOMO. For opportunities to get involved with uni life, check out https://www.usq.edu.au/current-students/life.

1. Don’t fight the
FOMO

2. Don’t fight the
FOMO
FEAR OF MISSING OUT

3. We’ve all been there… curled up on the couch,
settled in for the night, knowing full well you could,
and possibly should, be doing something else.
You don’t really want to go to that event, or leave
the house, but all your friends will be there and you
hate missing out…
Welcome to FOMO!

4. Is FOMO actually real?

5. Is FOMO actually real?
Studies show…

6. Is FOMO actually real?
Studies show…
Source: http://www.statravel.com.au/fomo-guide.htm

7. So, for most people, experiencing FOMO
is inevitable at some point in time.
Too much can push you into overdrive
and leave you feeling anxious.
FOMO can also make you feel indecisive and
overwhelmed, which can lead to you making
decisions based on emotion, not logic. Being driven
by FOMO can lead to burnout if you never say no.
But…

8. FOMO can also be the constant, unwavering push
of encouragement that gets you outside of your
comfort zone and that could lead you to new
friends, networks or free food!
The key is learning when to fight your FOMO
and when to embrace it…

9. To help you learn the difference, we’ve weighed
up the pros and cons and added some logic to the
equation to demonstrate the
times you should embrace
FOMO at university.

10. 1. Getting
involved online
“I can’t be bothered to introduce
myself on the course forum… but
I don’t want to miss out on the
chance to get to know people
when we have a group assignment
coming up…”

11. 1. Getting involved online
Pros
Can meet other students in your course
Can think about your comment before posting
to avoid saying something embarrassing
Lecturer will see you’re participating
Don’t need to leave the couch
Getting dressed isn’t necessary
Can eat all the food without judgement
CONS
Might make a typo in post

12. Who’d have ever thought you could make friends without leaving the couch?
DON’T FIGHT THE FOMO

13. 2. Uni events
“Should I stay in bed and skip
today’s event or should I be social
and potentially meet some new
people? That would mean missing
my afternoon nap… but maybe
I’ll meet people who love napping
as much as I do and we can bond
over that?”

14. 2. Uni events
Pros
Can meet new people
Furry friends could be present
There might be food
Chance to learn about extra-curricular activities
Opportunity for cool Instagram pics
Chance to network with different people
There could be freebies
Can attend some events online
Might even have a good time
CONS
Might not like it
Miss out on an afternoon nap
Miss out on valuable Netflix time
Might not know what to say

15. Every event may not be for you, but there are plenty to choose from.
DON’T FIGHT THE FOMO

16. 3. Study goals
“I could watch the new season
that I’m dying to see and just
dropped on Netflix … or, if I start
my essay now, I could study and
increase my chances of getting a
better mark…”

17. 3. Study goals
Pros
Get ahead on that assignment
Get the mark you know you’re capable of
Won’t feel guilty for going to that event on
the weekend or for watching Netflix later
Opportunity to post on social media that you
actually did some study (and hopefully receive much praise)
Great excuse to catch up with friends
for a study sesh
Any food consumed can be passed off as study
snacks (which are perfectly acceptable and
necessary to fuel your brain)
Sense of accomplishment
CONS
Not always fun
Will take effort

18. Feeling motivated yet?
DON’T FIGHT THE FOMO

19. . GRADUATION
“I can’t miss my graduation…
can I? I’m an online student,
so might not know anyone. But
then again, I’ve worked hard for
this strut across the stage and it
could be nice to celebrate with
the fam…”

20. Pros
You’ve worked hard for this and deserve
to celebrate
Get to add a face to the names you’ve come
across in the online forums
Could still make uni friends
Chance to get some wicked photos
Good excuse for a new outfit (guys, girls)
Reason to celebrate and have fun with
the family
CONS
Might not know anyone graduating
Hat hair…
. GRADUATION

21. Still not convinced? Check out why you should attend your graduation!
DON’T FIGHT THE FOMO

22. Use FOMO in balance to fuel your
motivation in seeking adventure and
getting out of your comfort zone.

23. CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 13.5.D 02.2017 Photos © USQ Online Marketing
social.usq.edu.au
Now that you know when to embrace FOMO at
uni, you can avoid KYMO (knowing you’d miss out).
Which reminds us, don’t miss the chance to access
free study tips and advice from current students and
take your study to the next level!
Think you’re a chronic FOMO sufferer? Find out
about the different types of FOMO here.