COLLEGE. A real struggle

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It’s mid-october and the gray clouds have edged out the blue skies and turned the brilliant, multi-colored leaf displays into a couch potato’s nightmare. FINAL EXAMS are fast approaching!!

To continue in this river of metaphor, other students may have drifted into an eddy. This could be an eddy of procrastination, eddy of addiction or some other pattern of riddance. Some students might think that they chose a program that isn't really for them.

Still, other students may be standing along the bank, wondering if the current is safe. In truth, the river of life is never, and will never be completely safe. But neither is sitting on the shore waiting for the perfect moment to get wet.

The struggle is REAL.

Getting though college is a real struggle (I'm glad, I'm almost at the peak of my college life! 1 last semester to go!!) For most people, college experience is worth keeping. The student life is not without it's rough patches. Some of those "rough patches" might have changed who we are, what we are, or how we later approached life. Everyone is unique, and so is their situations. But there are few problems that almost all college students deal with at least once during their time at school.

According to owlcation.com there 10 common problems college students are facing today. BUT I only picked the "problems" that I have encountered personally.

1. Time Management

In college you must exert so much effort. It requires much effort than high school classes did. Usually in college, you take 15 full credits per semester. Others try to cram up until 13 or even 21 credits. But there are times that it seems impossible to stay on top of it all.

2. Pressure

College tuition fee is really an ache in the pocket. Other students must get jobs in order to provide their financial needs. JOB, Relationships, 18 credits, extracurricular activities....may students try cram these in one day and not getting enough sleep at the end of the day. Constant lack of sleep may lead to sickness. Without proper rest, students are expected to be lame at school and vulnerable to physical and mental health problems.

3.Depression

Grades, Deadlines, Professors who are inconsiderate...these are just some problems that many students are stressing about today.. These problems might increase the student's stress level and contribute to emotional lows.

4. Partying

Partying can be a great way to reduce the student's stress. Partying is of course not a problem. However, it may cause problems. Drugs and alcohol can lead to poor choices, health risk and even potentially lead to deadly situations.

Solution(s)

Time Management: Know your limits, as the old aphorism goes. If you know that you cannot handle 18 credits in one semester then take only 15. It is worth it in the long run to just slow down. Besides the purpose of a college education is to learn as much as you can. BUT that doesnt mean studying all the time, you still have to take a rest, schedule time for fun and take a deep breath. Have breaks to keep your mind clear and fresh.

Pressure: Choose what is really important. Organize things well. Schedule events, games, social events and studies accordingly. Also, be aware when getting a job, see if it fits your schedule or not.

Depression: Many universities offer free counselling. If you're experiencing stress and depression, seek professional support. Guidance Counselors are always there to listen and help students to get back on track. (Trust me, I've been there. I've tried it once and it really helped me alot!)

Partying: enjoy the party but be responsible. Don't create problems for yourself, to your parents and to others as well. KNOW YOUR LIMITS.

College is stressful, tiring and expensive but it is well worth it in the long run. If you stick through college and graduate you will have enough skill and knowledge to go wherever and whatever you want to do in life. So don't give up! Learn and just enjoy!

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#lifestyle #campus