Have you had enough of zombies or nurses costumes and scary movies? Already read Dracula and Frankenstein? Halloween is here so we thought we’d give you a different way to celebrate by sharing our best Library picks to help you face your fears… By Oriane Boulay
1. Atychiphobia (Fear of failure)
Let’s start with a classic student fear: Atychiphobia, aka student imposter syndrome! Hands up if you’ve ever felt like everyone else was smarter then you? Fear of failure is a common feeling amongst the student body. So much so that tons of literature has been published on the subject! Have a look as it will help you to put things into perspective. Another thing that could help is taking regular breaks to calm down. Why not join a Study Happy session next time you’re in the Library?
2. Aviophobia (Fear of flying)
Statistically flying is the safest mode of transport, you’ve got a higher chance to get hit by a bus, blah blah blah… You’ve heard it all before, yet you’re still thinking twice about joining your friends for a trip to Lanzarote in the summer. Why not try this book? Fly away fear: overcoming your fear of flying
3. Latrophobia (Fear of all things medical)
Does blood make you squeamish? Ever cancelled a doctor’s appointment? Are you a medical student afraid of your upcoming OSCEs? Why not practice on our models in the BioMed Grid? You could also look into someone’s eyes using an ophthalmoscope (yikes!) and even use a stethoscope in our makeshift consultation room. Think less Dr Frankenstein, more McDreamy!
4. Cynophobia (Fear of dogs)
Man’s best friends may bite, but they also give cuddles! Come and meet the dogs from the Pets As Therapy charity and pat your stress away. The lovely PAT dogs have all been carefully selected and trained, and they are here to help you through your studies. Dates will be made available throughout the year on the Library calendar.
5. Glossophobia (Fear of Public Speaking)
One of the top 3 fears in the UK (according to a 2014 YouGov survey), glossophobia is something that touches us all. The Library is running Prezi workshops throughout the academic year to help you design great slides so that you’re calm when it’s your turn to present. We also offer print and online guidance in our catalogue.
6. “Thesis-phobia” (Fear of dissertations)
Ready for some seriously academicary (academic and scary!) stuff? With a name like A survival kit for doctoral students and their supervisors, this book will help you face the Mount Everest of academia!
7. Emetophobia (Fear of vomit)
A pretty easy one to solve. I would recommend avoiding clubs on a Saturday night and remind you that the Library is open 24/7… Just stay hidden on Floor 5! Of course, every other weekday you might want to watch what you eat so you can stay fit and healthy.
8. Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia (Fear of the number 666)
The term derives from Ancient Greek hexakósioi, “six hundred”, hexékonta, “sixty”, héx, “six”, and phóbos, “fear”; literally “fear of six hundred sixty-six”. Nothing more to say, I just wanted you all to have a go at saying it out loud.
9. Samhainophobia (Fear of Halloween)
My advice? Face your fear and jump right into horror territory. You’re spoilt for choice as the Library has all the classics! Here’s a couple of links to get you started: Haunted: a novel of stories by Chuck Palahniuk and Night shift by Stephen King.
10. Gerascophobia (Fear of growing up)
THE BIG ONE: What will you do after you finish your degree? Come along to our sessions in Term 1 to find out how you can use the Library databases to search for potential employers. You could also try some books on job hunting in our catalogue. Alternatively, look back and get inspiration from Voices of the University – a series of interviews of those who have studied and worked at the university since its creation.
Bonus: Coulrophobia (Fear of clowns)
Who could blame you after the Northampton incident? It happened just down the road… Sorry guys, but you’re on your own with this one!
Happy Halloween everyone! And remember, the Library is here to help (except with scary clowns)!