Struggling in College? Here’s What You Need To Do
College life can become quite overwhelming.
Not only do you as a student have a full courseload, but juggling school with your personal life can become beyond difficult.
But this post is for you if you’re struggling in college!
Struggles Faced by College Students
Academic Challenges:
One of the biggest challenges students face are college classes.
Whether it’s the course material that’s difficult or the professor, having those hard classes makes it hard to balance academic life and your personal life.
Not to mention, test anxiety can also be a barrier to success. But even more than that is if you don’t have the support you need to success in those classes.
Personal/Social Challenges
College struggles are definitely linked to how you’re doing personally and socially.
Homesickness can create a sense of disconnection, leading you to feel lonely. Not only are you away from friends and family, but you’re in a completely new environment.
Additionally, health issues (both mental and physical) can add another layer of stress to your college experience.
Amidst navigating everything, another obstacle students often face is figuring out their major and what to pursue with your career.
Financial Challenges
Financial challenges are also a very real reality that students go through during college.
Rising tuition costs have become a critical concern, with many universities continually increasing fees, making higher education less accessible. T
his financial burden often leads students to accumulate substantial student loan debt, which can be daunting to manage and may impact their financial stability for years after graduation.
In addition to tuition, students frequently face limited financial resources, which can restrict their ability to purchase textbooks, supplies, and even basic necessities like food and housing. The pressure to secure funding often forces students to juggle multiple jobs alongside school.
Financial instability can increase anxiety and cause insecurity, exacerbate feelings of anxiety and insecurity.
Overcoming Struggles
Academic Strategies:
Navigating all the challenges in college can be extremely daunting, but implementing effective strategies can definitely help.
If you’re wondering what to do if you’re struggling in college, effective time management and study habits are essential.
One useful strategy is to create a daily or weekly schedule, organizing your time to allocate specific slots for studying, attending classes, completing assignments, and for your personal time. Prioritizing your tasks is crucial to make your making times for projects/exams and managing time your deadlines.
Something to help with beating procrastination is consider breaking down larger tasks into smaller ones to make them more manageable.
Additionally, finding and creating effective study habits can make or break your productivity and learning in college.
Finding a quiet study space free from distractions promotes concentration, while usingactive study techniques—such as using flashcards, practice quizzes, and summarizing key points.
For some help on studying techniques, check this out: How to Pull an All Nighter Studying
Joining study groups can further enrich your understanding by allowing collaboration with peers to discuss concepts and clarify doubts.
Seeking academic support is also crucial; attending office hours gives you the opportunity to meet with professors to discuss challenging topics, while utilizing tutoring services can provide personalized assistance tailored to your needs.
Personal/Social Challenges:
Combatting personal and social issues in college is crucial for maintaining a student’s overall well-being.
If you’re wondering what to do if you’re struggling in college, recognizing the benefits of professional help is an important first step.
One effective approach is seeking counseling or therapy. Many colleges offer professional mental health services to students, so take advantage of that.
In conjunction with professional help, self-care practices play a huge role in managing stress one’s emotional health.
Regular exercise is beneficial for reducing stres and boosting energy levels, while prioritizing quality sleep ensures that you’re getting optimal cognitive function and emotional well-being. Engaging in hobbies and activities that you enjoy adds joy and relaxation to your routine.
This one can be hard for students in college but eating a balanced diet is beyond necessary! You need to fuel your body with nutrients in order for it to fully function.
College can be a lonely and isolating place, especially for many students who move to different cities and states, away from their family and friends.
Join student organizations related to your interests can help you meet like-minded individuals and build a sense of belonging.
Not to mention, reaching out to friends and family that you’re close to as emotional support during your college years.
Financial Management:
One of the biggest stressers for college students are financial challenges.
Exploring financial aid options is essential, especially reviewing elgibility for scholarships, grants, and loans based off of financial need and merit.
Familiarizing yourself with the terms and conditions of various financial aid packages ensures you understand repayment terms and interest rates, allowing you to make informed decisions.
Seeking guidance from financial aid offices can also provide personalized assistance tailored to your situation and gain other scholarship or grant opportunities. One thing a lot of students miss is that you can still apply to scholarships in college.
Additionally, consider part-time job opportunities both on and off campus. Make sure to align your work schedule with your classes to make sure you don’t overburden yourself.
It’s important to balance work and academic commitments, managing your time effectively to ensure that your job doesn’t interfere with your studies.
Something else to consider if you’re wondering what to do if you’re struggling in college, is tracking your income and expenses. This will let you understand where your money is going.
Developing a budget that outlines your income, expenses, and savings goals can provide clarity and help you manage your finances effectively.
In conclusion…
So what to do if you’re struggling in college?
College life can be quite demanding, but with the right support and strategies, it can become doable.
By implementing effective study habits, seeking academic support, prioritizing your mental and physical health, and making sure you know what financial aid options you have, you can get through college!
