FOMO Tips for Students: How to Overcome the Fear of Missing Out

Written by: Helene Ausserwöger, 17.07.2025

You are scrolling through Instagram or TikTok and one post after the other shows holidays, festivals, wild party nights or some other kind of adventure. And what are you doing? Probably sitting at home on the sofa in your PJs, without any plans, and the feeling that you’re doing nothing and missing out on everything.

This nagging discomfort of not being part of something and feeling like you are missing out is called FOMO – the fear of missing out. Especially in times of social media, where other people’s lives often seem more exciting, FOMO can be really overwhelming. But do not worry, you are not alone with this feeling and there are ways to cope with it. In this article, we are going to share some practical tips to help you overcome FOMO, aka the fear of missing out.

Table of Contents: 

What Is FOMO? Understanding the Fear of Missing Out

FOMO stands for “the fear of missing out”. It describes the anxiety that you’re missing out on something important, fun, social, or exciting while others seem to be having exactly those experiences. This fear has always existed in our society, but it has gained much more relevance worldwide with the rise of social media. On these platforms we mostly only see the highlights of people’s lives but rarely ever the boring or difficult moments. 

FOMO is especially prominent among students. No wonder, since student life is a phase full of opportunities – new friendships, parties, trips, internships, networking events, and so much more. When it seems like others are doing all these things at once and making the most of everything, it is easy to feel like you’re not doing enough or missing out. Academic success in your circle can add to that feeling too. For example, when classmates seem to get good grades effortlessly or start gaining practical experience early on.

Why Do We Experience FOMO? Causes and Triggers in Student Life

FOMO is not just about missing out on events, but about the internal pressure to always be available, to be present, and to not miss out on anything. Often, it stems from the fear of not experiencing enough, not being special enough or simply not being able to keep up. Typical signs that you might have fallen into this trap include: 

  • Constantly checking social media: You always check what others are posting. Not because of genuine interest, but because you feel like you are falling behind.
  • Restlessness & trouble concentrating: Your mind often wanders, and you find yourself worrying about what you might be missing out on.
  • Comparing yourself to others: Instead of focusing on yourself, you constantly compare your life to the (usually polished) lives of others.
  • Jealousy & frustration: You feel bad when others are seemingly having more fun or are more successful than you, even though you know that only the highlights are posted.
  • Constant availability: You are always online because you are scared to miss something important or won’t be able to respond to invitations, texts or trends fast enough.
  • Pressure to self-present: you feel like you absolutely have to experience something cool, just so you  have something to post. You might even stage activities or make things up to keep up with others.

To assess whether you’re starting to slip into FOMO, be honest with yourself and ask yourself a few questions:

  • Does my everyday life feel good to me, regardless of what others are doing?
  • Am I satisfied with what I’m doing, or do I need a change?
  • Am I living my life the way I want to, not the way others expect me to?

FOMO can also encourage you to reflect on important questions in your life, and being aware of your answers is already a first step in the right direction!

6 FOMO Tips: How to Overcome FOMO as a Student

FOMO doesn’t disappear overnight, but you can learn to deal with it in a more conscious way. Small changes in your daily routine can already help reduce constant restlessness and the habit of comparing yourself to others. We have compiled a list of 6 ways to help you overcome FOMO:

Using social media more consciously

Scrolling on Instagram & co. for hours can be entertaining but will often lead to comparing yourself with others to the point where you feel worse after. Of course, you can still use social media, but set intentional time limits – most smartphones offer helpful features for this. You should also try turning off your notifications from time to time and take a conscious break from social media. This way you won’t be constantly reminded that there is something you might be missing. It relieves pressure and gives you more control over your attention.

Nurture real connections: Quality time with friends without digital distractions

FOMO often happens because we feel close to others while only seeing the highlights of their lives on a screen. What truly helps are real, personal encounters. Spend intentional time with friends, without constantly checking your phone.  Living in a shared space, like a student dorm, can also help you feel less left out. Moments like these are fulfilling and offer something no social media post ever could.

How about a game night with friends to just have some fun and catch a break from social media! ©Adobe Stock
How about a game night with friends to just have some fun and catch a break from social media! ©Adobe Stock
Try to reconnect with yourself from time to time and focus on the here and now! ©Adobe Stock

Practice mindfulness: Meditation, journaling, yoga

Mindfulness helps you live in the moment and start focusing on yourself again, instead of on the lives of others. Just a few minutes of meditation, a walk outside, or mindful breathing can make a real difference. Journaling can also be helpful, especially if you write down positive experiences each day and practice gratitude.  More Infos on how to bring more mindfulness into your daily life, you can find here!

Set priorities: Clarity about your personal goals and values

When you know what you really want, then it will be easier to say no. Especially to things that just look good but don’t interest you and won’t contribute to achieving your goals. At Uni, for example, a structured study plan can help you set clear priorities and avoid FOMO. Here you can find out how to optimise your study methods.

Strengthen your self-worth: Value yourself independently of external validation

Likes, comments, and followers do not define your worth. To overcome FOMO, it’s crucial not to base your self-worth on other people’s opinions. Keep reminding yourself of all the things you are capable of, what makes you unique and what you have already achieved – without comparing yourself to others. The stronger your self-worth, the less you’ll rely on outside validation.

Be intentional with your free time: Choose activities that truly bring you joy

Instead of copying what looks cool from an outside perspective, ask yourself what genuinely makes you happy. Don’t just fill your free time to stay busy, but use it for things that fulfill and relax you. If you are looking for inspiration on how to spend your free time, then you will find creative ideas for new hobbies here!

From FOMO to JOMO: Embracing the Joy of Missing Out as a Student

JOMO is the positive opposite of FOMO and stands for the “joy of missing out” – the joy of intentionally missing things and focusing fully on your own life instead.

During your studies, JOMO can help you deal more calmly with the overwhelming flow of information on social media. When you intentionally spend time offline, you experience activities more intensely, can concentrate better, and focus your energy on what truly matters to you. Choosing to ignore what others are doing gives you peace, calm, and often also a greater sense of joy in your own life.

Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Be Everywhere to Experience Everything

FOMO is a common feeling, especially during your studies, when it seems like everyone is constantly experiencing something exciting. But the truth is that you’re missing out on far less than you think. What really matters isn’t being part of everything, but doing what’s truly good for you. Between studying, free time, and social media, it’s important to find balance, and, above all, be honest with yourself.

If you start reflecting on your habits, using social media more mindfully, and focusing on what genuinely brings you joy, you can gradually shift from FOMO to JOMO. And remember: it’s totally okay to just lie on the couch and do nothing. Chances are, you’re not missing a thing.

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