What Is Life Like As A College Student? Considerations For Your Mental Health
College can be a time of growth, excitement, and change, but it can also bring unique mental health considerations. In this article, we’ll explore the realities of being a college student, including potential mental health challenges. We’ll also discuss some ways to take care of yourself as you make the transition to college and where to find support if you need it. One option is to reach out to a licensed mental health professional at your college, in your local area, or through an online therapy platform.
What does it mean to be a college student?
When you think of a college student, you might think of someone fresh out of high school who moves to a new city to pursue their studies. While some students may take this path, this is not the case for everyone. Some people may delay going to college so they can travel or save money. Others may prefer to attend online college or work and go to school part-time. Ultimately, being a college student means you’re pursuing higher education after high school—whatever that looks like to you.
Understanding higher education options
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or are exploring your future options, you may wonder what your academic path might look like. Taking the next step in your education can look different for different people, so it may help to explore some of the most common routes college students may take.
Undergraduate studies
One of the most common paths to take as a new college student is usually to pursue an undergraduate degree. In the United States, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees are two of the most common types of undergraduate degrees. An associate degree usually takes around two years to complete, with a focus on a specific area of study. A bachelor’s degree may take closer to four years to complete and typically covers a broader area of study. Some students may start with an associate degree from a community college before moving on to a bachelor’s degree, which may be a more affordable option.
Graduate studies and research
Students may also decide to move on to a graduate degree program after getting their bachelor’s degree. Graduate degrees like master’s degrees and doctorate degrees generally enable students to deepen their focus on a specific area and may include more of a focus on research. Jobs in certain fields, like law and medicine, often require a graduate degree.
How is campus life different for college students than high school students?
As summer break ends and the school year approaches, you may wonder what you can expect when you start your time in college. While your daily life may share some similarities with high school, like taking classes and doing assignments, various factors may make college a new experience for you. These include the following:
More independence and responsibility
Perhaps one of the biggest differences between college and high school is your level of independence. Students at four-year colleges often live away from home, either in dorms or in off-campus housing. Living on your own may give you more flexibility in how you structure your day and spend your time, but you may also face new responsibilities, like budgeting, planning your meals, and doing laundry.
A different schedule
In U.S. high schools, students often take the same set of classes every day. In college, your schedule may be structured differently. Some classes only meet once a week, while others may require you to attend a combination of lectures, labs, and recitations. You may also be able to build your own schedule based on your degree requirements, with options to take classes in person or online.
Different class sizes
The average high school class size in the U.S. is around 20 students. Depending on your college, you might have many more classmates than you’re used to.
Lectures at some larger colleges may have 100 students or more.
From financial aid to peer pressure: Common challenges among college students
As exciting as the college experience can be, it can also pose unique challenges. These stressors may raise the risk of mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, and depression. Below, find some of the most common challenges you might face as a college student.
The demands of education
While college can be a chance to pursue a degree in a subject that interests you, you may face higher levels of academic pressure. You might also be unsure how to manage your time without the structure of high school. This uncertainty can contribute to higher levels of stress.
The transition from high school
When you think of major life changes, you might think of events like getting married or the death of a loved one. However, transitioning to university can also be a major change, especially when you’re first adjusting to a new schedule, new expectations, and a new campus. Major life transitions like these can be a source of stress, which may contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Financial aid and student debt
Even for those who qualify for financial aid, managing the costs of college can be a challenge. As of 2022, over half of U.S. students have taken out loans to pay for college, which can create stress for those who have large amounts of debt. Working during college may offset the cost of tuition, but juggling a job alongside academics can be its own source of stress.
Campus life and relationships with other college students
The friendships and connections you make in college can be fulfilling, but social dynamics can also pose challenges. For new college students, pressure to fit in and make friends may lead to risky behaviors, like binge drinking and substance use. Juggling schoolwork while also trying to build a healthy social life can be another challenge.
College student mental health: What the research says
Research shows that college students may experience various mental health challenges as they adjust to life after high school. As the American Psychological Association reports, 73% of college students experienced “moderate or severe” psychological distress in 2021, while 60% reported experiencing at least one mental health challenge. These effects can take a toll.
Mental health tips for college students
If you’re concerned about your mental health, the statistics above might make college seem intimidating. However, by taking proactive steps, you may be able to better support your well-being and manage stress in healthy ways. Whether you’re about to start school or you’re well into your college career, the following mental health tips may be helpful:
- Eat well: Nutritious eating habits can be easy to neglect when you’re living on your own for the first time, but eating nutrient-rich foods can support your mental health. Aim for eating habits rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods.
- Practice good sleep hygiene: Getting enough quality sleep may improve your academic performance and well-being. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, limit screen time before bed, and avoid all-night study sessions if possible.
- Stick to a routine: Having set routines can reduce stress and improve health. Even if your classes vary, aim to follow a similar schedule from day to day.
- Socialize: Having a social support system may improve your mental health and ability to manage stress. Set aside time for making friends, whether through school clubs, sports, or local meetups.
- Limit substance use: Try to avoid using substances or drinking excessively, which may have long-term effects on mental health. If you’re looking for ways to manage stress, meditation, exercise, and journaling may be more constructive outlets.
Resources for college student support
If you’re coping with stress, struggling to manage your course load, or experiencing other mental health challenges, you might want extra mental health support beyond the strategies we’ve discussed. Knowing where to turn can be confusing, but a wide range of resources are available.
- On-campus counseling: Your school’s campus health center may offer mental health support, including counseling. If therapy isn’t available directly through your college, your student health center may be able to refer you to a provider in your area.
- Community mental health centers: Community mental health centers (CMHCs) are public clinics that typically provide affordable mental healthcare to local communities. If you can’t access support through your school, your local clinic may be another resource.
- Helplines: For more immediate mental health support, hotlines like the Crisis Text Line and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline may also be helpful. If you’re struggling with binge drinking or substance use, you can also try the SAMHSA National Helpline.
- Online therapy: Platforms like BetterHelp provide virtual therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns, including stress, depression, anxiety, and more.
If you’re a college student with a busy schedule, finding time to see a mental health specialist can be challenging. With online therapy, you can speak to a therapist from your own home at a time that works for you. You can also change therapists at any time, which may make the process of finding a therapist with whom you connect less time-consuming.
Studies show that online therapy may benefit college students’ mental health. In a 2022 study, researchers looked at the effects of online counseling on 34 college students. They found that online therapy appeared to effectively reduce the students’ psychological distress.
Takeaway
- Previous Article
- Next Article