For countless people around the world, college is a place brimming with opportunity. Pursuing a degree or another form of higher education means you can open the door to several new avenues in your life. Not only do you boost your chances of being able to apply for high-paying and satisfying jobs one day in the future, but you can learn important facts about yourself at college too. The time you spend in higher education can lead to significant personal growth, giving you more independence and confidence. However, despite all the advantages it offers, it’s worth remembering that college isn’t without its challenges. Here are some of the core issues you’re likely to face as you move into higher education, and what you can do to overcome them.
Scheduling (Time Management)
Keeping your schedule on track is likely to be one of the most significant issues you face when you start college for the first time. It’s easy to underestimate how overwhelming it can be to make time for relaxation, self-care, study, and even recreational time. If you’re working while you study, or looking after a family, your time is going to be even more limited. It’s worth having a plan to make yourself more organized from day one. Plan out your weeks in advance and dedicate slots of time to different aspects of your schedule. If you start to feel overwhelmed, ask yourself what you can reasonably cut down on, without putting your education or your health at risk.
Finances (Paying for College)
Actually finding the money to pay for college and all the associated expenses that come with it can be much harder than it seems. College degrees can cost thousands of dollars, and that’s before you consider the costs of travel, accommodation, books, and other resources. Figuring out how you’re going to manage your budget in advance is crucial. Before you start applying for college, it’s worth looking online to find out whether you might be able to leverage any grants or scholarships to help you pay for everything. After this, it’s a good idea to have a specific budget to help guide your spending and ensure you have enough cash for everything. You may find you need to consider a part-time job to help you pay for everything.
Stress (Mental Health)
Although college can be enlightening, freeing, and extremely motivational at times, it can also be chaos on your emotions. There are times when you’re likely to feel overwhelmed or overly pressured by your study requirements. You might worry about how to stay safe on campus or struggle from home sickness if you’re spending time away from your family, or even feel a little anxious occasionally. The best way to handle this issue is to find ways to practice self-care consistently. When you’re planning your schedule, make sure you assign time for relaxation and recuperation. Spend time with your loved ones, even if it means arranging a weekly video call, and try not to isolate yourself. If you feel like you’re struggling more than usual, find out whether your college has an on-site therapist or advisor who may be able to help you.
