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How to Survive in College

Di Jia

Far from the cliché about college that there is few worries or responsibilities, college life can be very stressful, and to survive in college, one has to first learn to cope with the stress. Although the stress met by us varies from one to the other, the symptoms can be identified and the general guidelines we may refer to are quite similar.

Let's first look at the various stress we may face in college. First of all, there is stress from competition. We pursue a demanding class load to become more learned, compete for better grades to enter the graduate schools, or run for the posts in student unions to get work experiences. Second, there is stress from relationships. At times, we have problems with roommates, conflict with our parents and often our self-esteem is hurt. And finally, the most excruciating stress comes from the decision-making process. As we make either classes choice or career choice, we may find it hard to coordinate all things and thus feel frustrated.

Although at first glance these stresses are so different and come from all respects of our college life, they result in several symptoms that are easy to identify. Symptoms of stress appear in many forms. Some symptoms only impact the person who is directly experiencing stress, while other symptoms may have an impact on our relationships with others. When we find ourselves having difficulty in sleeping, or subject to chronicle headaches or backaches or fatigue, we are experiencing the physical symptoms of stress. If we become easily irritable, often rage over trifles or simply too depressed, they are emotional signals that imply stress. Also, forgetfulness, unwanted or repetitive thoughts and difficulty in concentrating are all cognitive examples of stress. As we find ourselves involved with more and more symptoms as mentioned above, the stress levels are elevated and we are to take care!

In face of stress, first, we must keep a balanced lifestyle. As people with poor health are more affected by stress, we need to pay attention to our own well-being. The right balance of sleep, food, exercise, work, school, and recreation is crucial in defeat stress.

Second, some people are in a constant state of trying to catch up. They find themselves rushing and hurrying from one activity to another, always racing with the clock and never getting on top of things. Part of this problem, for many of us students, is not being well organized. Effective time management can help.

Third, it is easy to get caught up in a narrow view of something we are doing. Discussing the problems with a friend can allow us to gain new perspectives and thus relieve stress.

Don’t let stress of college years overwhelm us. We experience it and gradually grow out of it. And when we have learned to cope with the stress, we know how to survive in college.