College

Common Challenges for College Students: How to Overcome Them

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Man and Woman Holding Notebooks While Sitting on Grass

Photo : Keira Burton

For most people, college is a phenomenal experience. It's a chance to learn more about yourself, the world, and the topics you're most interested in. Not to mention, you'll be able to develop the skills you need to apply for higher-paying jobs, and pursue your dreams in later life. However, while higher education offers benefits, it can also come with a number of challenges to overcome, particularly for beginners. Having a plan for how you're going to address and overcome these roadblocks can prevent you from feeling too overwhelmed when they arise. Here are some of the most significant issues many students face, and how to address them.

Choosing a Major

One of the biggest issues facing would-be college students is often deciding where they should focus their time and attention. If you have a number of passions and interests, you might have a hard time learning about the best career paths and narrowing down your options. In this case, it might be worth taking some time to evaluate potential job opportunities in different industries and environments, to see which spaces appeal most to you. It can also be helpful to look at the earning opportunities for professionals in different sectors. Remember, you can always switch majors if necessary. 

Paying for College

Let's face it, college isn't the most affordable way to invest in your future, but that doesn't make it any less valuable. If you're struggling to figure out how you're going to pay for your education, it's important to take the time to assess all of your options. The best option is usually to track down loan solutions specifically suited to your situation. If you're going to be going to college part-time, you could consider Earnest half-time student loans. You may want to think about whether you want to work while you learn to increase your available cash. 

Time Management

Making sure you have enough time in your schedule for studying, socializing, work, and self-care can be extremely difficult when going to college. Handling your to-do list becomes more complex if you have other responsibilities to consider too, such as pets or family members. With this in mind, it's crucial to plan how you're going to deal with your day-to-day tasks as carefully as possible. Think about where you can slot time for different tasks into your routine, and be careful not to overwhelm yourself with too much work at once. You don't want to burn out.

Stress and Anxiety

The pressure that comes with earning a degree or another form of higher education can be harder to deal with for some people than others. If you find yourself feeling nervous and anxious all of the time, then you might need to think about if you're pursuing the right future for your needs. You could also consider looking into various forms of support to help you manage this difficult time. Friends and family members can offer fantastic help and motivation when you're struggling. There's also the option to seek out counselling within your school. 

Making Friends

Finally, if you're moving to a new location to start college, or you're beginning your degree without any connections to existing students, you might feel overwhelmed by the social aspects of higher education. While you can always go through college without taking part in the social events, making friends during this experience can be a wonderful way to expand your network. If you're struggling to get started, you could aways consider joining the social media groups available for your college. It's also worth looking for study groups and events specific to your interests within the campus itself.

Dealing with the Challenges of College

College can be both an exciting and daunting time for a range of different reasons. While aspects of earning your education can be stressful or challenging, there are ways to get yourself back on track. Remember to stay motivated, and keep yourself focused on your goals. If you stay committed, you'll be able to overcome any hurdle that comes your way.

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