Advice for Students Going Through College Struggles

by Kiana Velez
March 1, 2024

“There will be a lot of stress in your life that you cannot control. Life is always going to give you something to be stressed out about, so you need to eliminate stress where you can. There is stress you can control.” -Ms. Bernard

I recently sat down with Ms. Meghann Bernard, GCC’s Wellness Counselor, to discuss what college students tend to struggle with in college and what are some solutions to help their college life. Top student struggles include: shyness, homesickness, anxiety, stress, prioritizing their schedule, and establishing a sleep schedule. Because students tend to be independent, they can be reluctant to be the first one to start a conversation with a stranger. A cause could be from the pandemic since a lot of people stayed home and that may have caused a social setback for many students.

Students may feel uncomfortable or awkward going by themselves to the cafeteria or joining a new club. It is difficult figuring out where they can fit in and connect with new people. Another struggle for students is prioritizing their schedule, wondering how to get homework done before it is due. They may be asking themselves, “When should I study? What should I eat?”

A lot of students have a significant amount of anxiety in school. It could be a fear of public speaking, getting into new groups for class, entering new environments, etc. There are several types of anxiety and different coping mechanisms for each student. Lastly, homesickness can also be a factor. It could impact a student living 30 minutes away or a student who is studying abroad. Students tend to isolate themselves from others, feeling like an outcast and misunderstood.

“You can’t love anybody if you don’t love yourself.” -Ms. Bernard

On the bright side there are some solutions students can try. Students who stay longer on campus tend to grow out of that shyness stage and become more social and accepting. The solution is time, getting yourself comfortable with your surroundings and find opportunities to engage in conversation at your own pace.

To manage time, students can use a small journal or calendar to write down any due dates of important work if it’s a job or homework. Any sort of reminder, even if it’s a timer, can help organize your schedule. If you have trouble concentrating on homework, then find the time between classes to go to the library and do some of the work, then reward yourself. If you have a test coming up, study for the test then do something extra special just for you.

To manage anxiety, here are some additional tips:
• Prioritize your time.
• Reward Yourself (Can be a hobby or anything that supports your well-being)
• Doing something productive (Go on a walk, read a new book, etc.)
• Prioritize sleeping at least 8 hours (Without enough sleep, your brain can’t function properly. Try listening to calming sounds.)
• Exercise (Maintaining a healthy attitude can work for your mental health and keep you energized.)
• Healthy foods (Eating the correct nutrients can help with many bodily functions.)
• Meditate. Practice your mindful breathing when engaging with any situation. Try box breathing.
• Green Therapy (Go on a nature walk.)

When it comes to homesickness, it helps to build a social support system, like joining clubs, getting to know other students, attending RA events in the dorms, or playing pool in the Student Union. Being able to share stories about each other and learning new beliefs and cultures and having a better understanding of everyone is also helpful. Also, being out and present for new opportunities and experiences that you can learn from and being able to share them with others is also beneficial. It is important that you find the courage to lead yourself to success, it’s a working process but it just takes a step forward to make it closer to the finish line.

1. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At GCC there are counseling, tutoring, and academic advisors who can help.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for yourself. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable ones, and celebrate your progress along the way.
3. Prioritize Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat healthily, exercise regularly, and make time for activities you enjoy to reduce stress.
4. Utilize Resources: Take advantage of resources available to you, such as study groups, libraries, online resources.
5. Stay Engaged: Actively participate in class discussions, ask questions, and engage with course material outside of class. This can help reinforce your understanding of the material.
6. Seek Feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from professors or peers on your work.
7. Stay Motivated: Find what motivates you and use it to fuel your drive to succeed. Whether it’s a long-term goal, a passion for your field of study, or the desire to make your loved ones proud, remind yourself of your reasons for pursuing higher education.
   
   Thanks to Ms. Bernard for all the help on this article and if any students have questions or concerns, they are encouraged to reach out. Stop by room B109 on the Batavia Campus or email: mkbernard@genesee.edu.