As adults enter their university either right after high school or after a break, there are many stressors and anxieties that arise. Some you may have prepared for, and others, well…they can sneak up and cause immense distress.
The biggest change for this time includes moving away from your familiar area and moving to a (likely) larger, new area. You probably have that at least partially covered though by going on a tour and visiting prior to choosing that university.
Another revolves around managing time. Do you have a part-time job? Extracurriculars? Social groups? Classes that are on opposite sides of the campus? There are many resources to help manage time and navigate the new responsibilities, including small helpers like the yearly planners most colleges give out.
But what happens when you’ve prepared for these big stressors like the ones above, and yet still are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and frazzled? Odds are there are stressors going on that you haven’t yet realized are impacting your mood and ability to participate in the fun parts of attending college. Here is a list of common yet forgotten stressors.
1.Finding and/or Adjusting to Roommates
You’ve had a lifetime to adjust to your parent’s/caregiver’s cleaning schedules and little quirks. With attending college there is a strong likelihood that you will have at least one roommate. Whether it is a stranger or someone you’ve known for a while, adjusting to someone else’s habits, sharing space, and navigating frustrations in a small space can add underlying anxiety.
TIP: Set, Communicate, and Maintain Boundaries
Boundaries are considered “an invisible line that defines what behaviors are and are not acceptable for an individual”. Everyone has boundaries; they may just not be aware of them until they find themselves inexplicably annoyed every time their roommates come in without knocking or they may be unsure how to communicate them. Practicing open, assertive communication around boundaries isn’t bossy or aggressive; it is the act of protecting the relationship from resentments and hurt feelings.
2. Personal Pressure
Big life transitions such as attending college bring out feelings of excitement and adventure. They also bring out plenty of uncertainty, which can ramp up our inner critic and increase pressure we put on ourselves.
TIP: Practice self-compassion.
Understanding that negative self-talk only increases internal pressure and turmoil is important. No one makes mistakes on purpose. Next time you feel the urge to beat yourself up, try to respond to yourself as if you were speaking to your best friend, loved one, or family member.
3. Changes to Sleep and Eating Habits
When life gets stressful, appetite and sleep can become more and more difficult. These two things are also vital for mental and emotional health. Did you know most of the serotonin in our bodies actually comes from our gut, not our brains?
TIPS: Carry around healthy, easy snacks & limit caffeine (if you can!).
Caffeine is great for staying awake; it’s also great at making sleep more difficult and raising anxiety. Limiting caffeine when you have a million things to do can be hard, but very helpful in the long-run.
Remember, these times can be exciting, stressful, and overwhelming. Laying a strong foundation of simple, healthy habits can be crucial in enjoying all that comes along with attending college!