Going away to college is a fun and exciting time, but it can also be stressful from time to time. After all, being out of your comfort zone while also having to deal with academic and financial pressures can create an environment in which it is difficult to truly relax.
It’s not realistic to think that college will be an entirely stress-free experience, but equally, you don’t have to simply be at the mercy of whatever it throws your way. By taking a few proactive steps, college students can make a meaningful difference to their stress levels, which can go a long way towards enhancing their overall college experience. Any one of the tips we’ve outlined below can make a difference, and their impact will be even more pronounced if you take all of them on board!
Create a Comfortable Living Space
It’s fun to throw yourself into all the excitement that college life can bring, but it’s also important to have your own, comfortable living space in which you can retreat from the outside world when necessary.
The right living environment doesn’t have to be anything grand or luxurious. It simply has to be a space that feels like yours, in which you feel comfortable. Packing a few home comforts, such as a warm throw blanket and your own bedding, can help to create a sense of home while you’re still settling in.
Proactively Manage Your Finances
Even dealing with minor financial issues can make it more difficult to enjoy college to the fullest. Taking a proactive approach to your finances can ensure that you’re able to live comfortably while you’re studying, and that you have the safety net of having extra cash in the bank in the event of an emergency.
There are multiple ways to get your college finances in check. The first is to make sure that you have as much money as you need to live comfortably. Whether it’s federal loans, private student loans, your savings, or other funding, knowing that you have the money you need to cover 100% of your tuition and living expenses while at college really can make a big difference to your capacity to relax and settle into student life.
Beyond that, it’s about putting together a sensible budget (and sticking to it) and potentially considering taking on a part-time job if you want additional cash.
Set Time Aside For Academic Work
If there’s one thing that’ll cause stress at college, it's the feeling that you’re permanently a few steps behind with your academic work. Existing in a permanent ‘catch-up’ mode can make academic work feel like a chore, impact your capacity to enjoy other aspects of college life, and impact academic performance.
Students never want to fall behind. It tends to happen because academic work wasn’t prioritized. You’ll get some work done purely through motivation, but the best students remove the motivation factor entirely and simply set aside time to do their work. It’s not always what you’ll want to do — especially if the sun is shining — but it’ll keep you ahead, and knowing that you’ve taken care of business will also allow you to genuinely enjoy the other parts of college!
Find an Exercise You Like
Working up a sweat is a proven stress-buster, so it’s worthwhile finding an activity you like early on in your college life. What’s great about exercise and stress is that it works immediately. If you’re feeling a little stressed or anxious, then going for a thirty-minute run around the neighborhood really can help to put you at ease.
Many college students don’t exercise because they A. don’t have athletic clothing/shoes and B. don’t know what exercise to do. Our advice is to avoid overthinking: buy some athletic clothing and try a few different activities to see which ones you enjoy. Joining a sports group is particularly recommended, since that’ll also provide an easy way to connect with other people, which can also be a great way to make friends — and that in itself can do wonders for reducing stress.
Stay Connected With Home
One of the reasons why college can seem stressful is the belief that you’re out there on your own. But that’s not the case — while you might be separated from your loved ones, you’re not alone; they’re with you, just a little further away than normal.
Staying connected to home can be a good way to remind yourself that you have loved ones in your life who will help you when the going gets tough. Plus, spending an hour or two venting about college woes to your friends and family can be nearly as effective as everything else that we’ve included on this list!
Learn to Say No
College is awash with opportunities. That’s exciting, but it can also be a source of stress. That happens when you feel obligated to say yes, or when you have FOMO — the fear of missing out — if you don’t go. Both of those things can be damaging.
Learning to say no, both to other people and to yourself, is key to establishing stability at college. Good friends will understand when you simply want to have a night in your dorm by yourself. And if you’re feeling like you’re missing out by not going to an event, just remember this: you will have many other opportunities to do fun things while at college!
Prioritize Sleep Quality
College students aren’t famous for their excellent sleep habits, but it’s worthwhile to prioritize them. It really can make a huge difference to your stress levels. Sleep is when the body regulates stress hormones (such as cortisol) and emotions, both of which can impact your mood and your ability to do your best during the day. If you’re finding it difficult to sleep through the night, then look at your pre-sleep habits — too much screen time and coffee, for instance, can make falling and staying asleep a lot more challenging. Replace them with reading and calming tea instead.
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