The idea of studying at college is often represented in its most positive light. As well as furthering your education, the prospect of new adventures, freedom and being part of a thriving community are great pull factors. Yet the realities of college life can be a struggle too. And it can be difficult for students to admit that they’re not finding it easy.
Going to college is a fantastic opportunity academically, as well as socially. Many high school students look forward to college for many years, dreaming of their newfound freedom, making new friends and exploring a new locality. And many people do love college. But they probably don’t love it all the time, and some people struggle more and have lower lows than others.
A Major Life Change
The reasons college life can be difficult for some students are usually varied. Sometimes the initial excitement of going to college means students think they have avoided the tumult of all the changes in their lives. So it can be a surprise if they feel happy initially, only to feel a little strange about life once they have settled into a new routine. The key things to remember are that no one is happy all the time – no matter their age or life stage – and that it is ok to take some time to process all the changes.
One of the first reasons students can begin to struggle is the fact they are moving away from their family and friends, and possibly a life they have always known. All the usual familiarity of life is gone for a while, and it can take some time to feel ‘normal’ in a new place, surrounded by new people. Students find different ways to make themselves feel better. Sometimes it’s adding a few homely touches to their living accommodation, or planning a weekend to go back home in the not-too-distant future. It may just take a little time to settle in, so don’t overthink it too much, and try to enjoy the good things in your new life.
Another reason students can feel a little overwhelmed is the new level of responsibility they have to take on. They may be paying rent and bills for the first time, and they need to figure out a lot of new things, which could be anything from managing finances and getting a job, to finding new study habits and figuring out the best desktop options for students when it comes to computers. Students simply have to take on a lot more than they may have done living with parents who would have taken the lead on many aspects of daily life.
Academic pressure is another notable reason why students can struggle at college. For some people, getting motivated to study can be difficult, when there is no one else there to tell you what you need to do. Students or their family members may have high expectations on them to do well, and the worry of not doing well enough can feel like a burden. For those who have taken out substantial student loans in order to study at college, there can be an extra feeling of pressure.
Mental Health Issues
For students of college age, mental health issues can be quite prevalent because of homesickness, new responsibilities and academic pressures.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems experienced by students. Often this materializes in feelings of worry or tension, and anxiety can be diagnosed as a mental health problem if it starts to interfere with daily life.
Depression is one of the most diagnosed mental health problems among students. While everyone feels low sometimes, depression is when the low feeling continues for quite some time, and the usual things that may have made you happy don’t have the same effect.
Some students experience suicidal feelings, often because the thought of the struggles they are having feel like too much to cope with. Suicidal thoughts often stem from depression or other mental health issues.
What To Do
The key thing for students struggling at college is to seek some help. Colleges and universities are increasingly aware and well-equipped to help students with mental health issues. Find out what resources are available to you and seek some help. Don’t leave it, even if you think you are not feeling that bad – often speaking to someone early on can help prevent you from feeling worse. Once you have explored the mental health resources at your college, seek help from a doctor or therapist if you still need to.
It is also important to speak to others you are close to about how you are feeling. Opening up to your support network, or finding a support network, can help keep you on track. You may not even need to talk about your struggles, anxieties or other problems at length, but feeling close and connected to other people can make you feel more grounded as a student.