How to Beat Anxiety During THIMUN

Feeling nervous at THIMUN is completely normal. When I talk with friends who have attended Model UN (or are thinking about it), anxiety comes up more than anything else. The good news is that most of the things people worry about are far more manageable than they seem. Here are a few common concerns, along with some ways to approach them calmly and confidently.

The welcoming atmosphere of THIMUN 2025 was a surprise for most new delegates. Dimah Moosa from EVC2 was worried that she “wouldn’t be ready for it”. However, the delegates were welcoming and amazing. If one did not know what amendments were, you could just ask. The warm admins, delegates, and chairs of THIMUN 2025 have made The World Forum a home for each delegate—even if they are from halfway across the globe. But would delegates want to return for THIMUN 2026? All interviewed delegates spoke with confidence: “One hundred percent, yes! All the people here are amazing, and I can’t wait to see them again.” Dana Shaheen noted that “the positive mood around and abundance of humor truly made the conference.” Each room was filled with diplomacy and friendships. 

All delegates interviewed unanimously answered the same thing: the people we have met. “All the delegates in our committee were so nice and very kind. The committee is so uplifting and engaging. The experience and humor brought us closer,” said Dana.

For Isis Li, Felicitas Fruhling, Allegra Ahola, and Selen Duran from GA6, “meeting new people from all around the world” was their favorite part of the conference. Because Isis is from Australia, which is “very isolated, being able to meet from different continents was amazing.” Delegates in the same rooms collided into friendships. “We met each other, and before we knew it, we became friends.” The alliances within each committee have morphed into lasting friendships. Whether it was their first conference or their last, THIMUN has left an indelible mark on each attendee.

Feeling anxious at THIMUN doesn’t mean you’re unprepared, it usually means you care. With a bit of planning, realistic expectations and self-kindness, the conference becomes much less intimidating and far more rewarding. Work hard, take breaks when you need them and remember that everyone is there to learn.