Life at university is a new chapter that people can anticipate. It is a unique experience of absorbing new knowledge from experts and meeting like-minded colleagues, unlike any other. However, managing all things at once flawlessly can be stressful. So, it is important to know the ways of coping with university stress.
Read Also: 5 Top Tips on How to Cope with University Admission Stress
What Causes College Students to Feel Stressed?
As cited in Smith, Richardson, the University of Derby’s Lead of Student Services, suggests that the overwhelming pressure comes from attempting to simultaneously manage various elements. Below is the list of them that university students commonly face.
1. Academic Pressure
Indeed implies that earning a minimum of 3.0 GPA can attract employers’ attention to you. Furthermore, they, who are in scholarship terms, must maintain their GPA above 3.0, too, and therefore they must make sure their classes pass with good grades.
2. Social Expectations
Depending on the culture and environment, the expectations from others can be pressing. For example, one must accomplish certain things at a certain age according to society’s standards. Otherwise, one’s value as an individual can be unsatisfactory.
3. Financial Stress
University tuition is generally not affordable, whereas students have a hard time working, as most entry-level job opportunities require at least a bachelor's degree. It is a very stressful situation, especially with the instability of the global economy.
4. Future Anxiety
With all the pressures, it is undeniable that university students can be anxious about the future. They can start questioning themselves if their effort has been enough to graduate, or if they can immediately get a job after graduation.
5. Homesickness and Culture Shock
Independence is impressive but tough; to be away from a familiar and communal environment can take a toll on university students, as there is no one to turn to for easing their minds.
What Can You Do When You Are Stressed?
There are several ways of coping with university stress, so you can have the best university-life balance.
1. Mindfulness
To breathe amid the chaotic life reminds us of the importance of taking a break. With a mindful mind, like joining yoga or practising breathing techniques, one can see better and arrange everything more calmly.
2. Eat Well
Naidoo states that unhealthy diets, like artificial sweeteners, can cause anxiety and stress. It is better to mind your intake of nutritious food, like fibre and fermented food.
3. Exercise Regularly
Harvard Health Publishing suggests that exercising regularly stimulates good blood circulation and healthy changes in your body, like reducing stress hormones–adrenaline and cortisol.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Eric, from the University of Waterloo, implies that exhaustion leads to stress. So, your body needs to rest properly. If you cannot get 8 hours of sleep, try to get some naps in between so your brain and body can take a break to function better later on.
5. Take Breaks
The National Institutes of Health proves that the brain learns a new skill quickly and effectively after resting. So, after a couple of hours of studying, take a break in between to perform better next time.
6. Talk to Someone
Talking to someone is one of the ways to get things out off your chest. If you are private to speak to a professional, do not hesitate to share your worries with your family members or your close friends.
7. Time Management
To prevent getting overwhelmed, you can manage everything with a calendar on your phone. You can even be creative by crafting your timetable in your books.
Read Also: Unlock 5 Ways to Solve Time Management Problems in University!
What Can You Do When You Are Stressed?
Coping with university stress successfully is not simple. Especially if you are an introverted person who is more comfortable with yourself. However, you do not have to be alone to conquer this problem. Instead, share your issues with your close friends and families.
Even better, you can get counseling services if you enroll at Sampoerna University. Not only can you get professional help that cares for your well-being, but you can also earn two bachelor's degrees: one from Sampoerna University and the other from the University of Arizona. Join us today!
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