It's tough being a student. You're busy learning to live on your
own, balancing the demands of friends and relationships and on top
of that - you're expected to study! Learning how to balance these
various demands is vital to your academic performance, so take the
time to learn how to manage stress effectively. The following are
some of the key sources of stress that students have identified in
recent studies of students attending colleges and universities
around the nation:
1. Time Management
Time management was frequently rated as the biggest stress factor
for students involved in post secondary education. Many students
just aren't equipped with the skills it takes to manage their
various responsibilities. If you're someone who spends too little
time studying - or someone who's often distracted by extracurricular
activities - look for programs on campus designed to teach you
better time management skills.
2. Setting Priorities
Balancing all the various obligations that college life entails
and setting good priorities is another source of stress identified
by many of students involved in the studies. With all the clubs,
activities and athletic events going on, it can be hard for many
students to balance the things they want to do with the things they
need to do - like studying and working part-time. Many students in
the studies commented that they felt like they were always "on the
run" between different activities.
3. Financial Stability
Worrying about money and financial stability was identified as
another key source of stress for students. And it makes sense -
college tuition bills are constantly increasing and extra expenses
like books and materials add up quickly. Students with homes and
families to support are most likely to feel the pinch, but even
students with no financial obligations can find it difficult to
balance all the monetary obligations without stress.
4. Family Expectations
Family - you can't live with them and you can't live without
them. Many students are surprised to find that the stress from
family expectations follows them, even after they leave the nest to
attend college. Some students are only attending school to please
individuals in their family, while others may be attending school to
prepare for a career that their families aren't pleased with. Either
of these situations - as well as many others - can be stressful for
students who are already dealing with heavy coursework, and
financial and social responsibilities.
5. Personal relationships
Finding yourself wrapped up in a college romance can be exciting,
but intimate relationships can take a toll on already stressed out
college students. Many students interviewed in these studies
expressed concerns over how difficult it is to maintain their
academic performance while in a serious relationship. On the other
hand, many students claimed that having a significant other that
appreciated the hard work and dedication involved in going to school
was a net positive - your success really depends on how committed
you are to balancing these different responsibilities.
6. Campus Crime
Being away from home for the first time can be scary - so it's
perfectly reasonable that campus crime would be another source of
stress for students. Crime statistics can be especially daunting if
your campus has recently experienced a series of attacks or
burglaries. If you live in an unsafe neighborhood or attend a
college with a poor safety record, take appropriate precautions like
not walking alone at night and locking up your room when you leave.
You may also want to consider renters insurance if break-ins are a
problem in your area.
7. Future Uncertainty
Anyone who's attended college has heard the dreaded question at
least one hundred times - "So what are you going to do when you
graduate?" The scary thing is, no one really knows what they're
going to do, unless they're one of the lucky few with job offers
lined up and waiting for them. If you're feeling anxiety over your
future plans, take a deep breath and try to let go of some of your
stress. Uncertainty is a part of life, so worry less and try to
enjoy the ride.
by Elisabeth Kuhn
And if you recognize yourself or the student in your life? Get
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FREE report with 7 stress-reducing strategies
