Stressed For College Success? Seven Key Sources of Stress For Students

It's tough being a student. You're busy learning tofollows them, even after they leave the nest to
live on your own, balancing the demands ofattend college. Some students are only attending
friends and relationships and on top of that -school to please individuals in their family, while
you're expected to study! Learning how toothers may be attending school to prepare for a
balance these various demands is vital to yourcareer that their families aren't pleased with. Either
academic performance, so take the time to learnof these situations - as well as many others - can
how to manage stress effectively. The followingbe stressful for students who are already dealing
are some of the key sources of stress thatwith heavy coursework, and financial and social
students have identified in recent studies ofresponsibilities.
students attending colleges and universities around5. Personal relationships
the nation:Finding yourself wrapped up in a college romance
1. Time Managementcan be exciting, but intimate relationships can take
Time management was frequently rated as thea toll on already stressed out college students.
biggest stress factor for students involved in postMany students interviewed in these studies
secondary education. Many students just aren'texpressed concerns over how difficult it is to
equipped with the skills it takes to manage theirmaintain their academic performance while in a
various responsibilities. If you're someone whoserious relationship. On the other hand, many
spends too little time studying - or someonestudents claimed that having a significant other
who's often distracted by extracurricular activitiesthat appreciated the hard work and dedication
- look for programs on campus designed to teachinvolved in going to school was a net positive -
you better time management skills.your success really depends on how committed
2. Setting Prioritiesyou are to balancing these different responsibilities.
Balancing all the various obligations that college life6. Campus Crime
entails and setting good priorities is another sourceBeing away from home for the first time can be
of stress identified by many of students involvedscary - so it's perfectly reasonable that campus
in the studies. With all the clubs, activities andcrime would be another source of stress for
athletic events going on, it can be hard for manystudents. Crime statistics can be especially
students to balance the things they want to dodaunting if your campus has recently experienced
with the things they need to do - like studyinga series of attacks or burglaries. If you live in an
and working part-time. Many students in theunsafe neighborhood or attend a college with a
studies commented that they felt like they werepoor safety record, take appropriate precautions
always "on the run" between different activities.like not walking alone at night and locking up your
3. Financial Stabilityroom when you leave. You may also want to
Worrying about money and financial stability wasconsider renters insurance if break-ins are a
identified as another key source of stress forproblem in your area.
students. And it makes sense - college tuition bills7. Future Uncertainty
are constantly increasing and extra expenses likeAnyone who's attended college has heard the
books and materials add up quickly. Students withdreaded question at least one hundred times - "So
homes and families to support are most likely towhat are you going to do when you graduate?"
feel the pinch, but even students with no financialThe scary thing is, no one really knows what
obligations can find it difficult to balance all thethey're going to do, unless they're one of the
monetary obligations without stress.lucky few with job offers lined up and waiting for
4. Family Expectationsthem. If you're feeling anxiety over your future
Family - you can't live with them and you can'tplans, take a deep breath and try to let go of
live without them. Many students are surprised tosome of your stress. Uncertainty is a part of life,
find that the stress from family expectationsso worry less and try to enjoy the ride.