And some of those inevitably involve figuring out how to correct mistakes they’ve already made. Again, the sooner students act to solve the problem, the less onerous the process is likely to be. You’ll thank us … 2. Unfortunately, many students simply avoid dealing with it, or don’t know where to turn for help. Overthinking everything. It takes commitment to establish good work and study habits, but it’s achievable, and the payout is worth it. “Dip your toe in first.” Keep classes paramount, and then build in the extras. Some teachers have outright rules against cellphone use, but if they don’t, it’s still a good practice for students to keep the phone on Do Not Disturb mode, tucked inside their backpacks. Whelan focused on making students aware of their problems… Many first year students are overwhelmed with the opportunities available on campus for clubs, ... as you’ll be sharing this problem with nearly every other college student in the nation and probably the world. “But it depends on what field you’re going into. Find opportunities to meet with professors during office hours to discuss material that may not be clear and reach out to fellow students to start study groups. In June 2017, Harvard University withdrew 10 admission offers after the prospective freshmen participated in Facebook communications that were derogatory to others. Students shouldn’t necessarily avoid getting a credit card, but they should be aware of the risks. This proves to be very challenging to most freshmen as they do not know how to manage their time to fit in their courses and any other obligations they may have, such as sororities, clubs, sports and part time jobs. At the same time, they continue to take out student loans with no plan about how to pay them back. However, college can be a dreadful experience if a person is not prepared properly. Especially for students from immigrant families who are sometimes the sole English speaker in their household, there can be the unnerving and difficult feeling that they have abandoned their family. Don’t fall into the trap of these very common yet avoidable first-year college student mistakes. University. It takes a few semesters to get more serious about saving, so your first year of college will be very stressful on your finances. Talking with an academic adviser can help students find the best option. those are just a few of the problems I think freshman have attending their first year of college, but im sure there are lots more. For students who are having difficulty juggling their courses, it might be wise to drop a class and retake it later, rather than letting the course pull down their GPA. As … The demands of classes, managing finances, starting a new social network from scratch and possibly balancing a job can conspire to create anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders or other mental illnesses. Leaving family behind to attend college far from home isn't easy for any freshman student, but for first-generation students, homesickness and loneliness are often intermingled with guilt. It’s nice to get that financial bump at the beginning of the semester, but it’s important to budget funds so they last from month to month. “I’ll save so much money by sharing rent with roommates rather than living in the dorm.” That’s a common refrain from first-year students excited by the prospect of living on their own. They might even try apps such as Cold Turkey Blocker, Freedom or Offtime, which allow users to temporarily block access to certain apps or websites. Among the most common experiences are: There are ways as a parent to support your student while still allowing them the opportunity to grow through their college experiences. College ain't cheap. Students should realize that colleges want them to succeed in classes and to enjoy the college experience. Often, instructors appreciate honesty and a true willingness to solve the problem, and may work with the student by providing extra instruction, extending a deadline or offering another opportunity to take a test. They focused much on financial struggles. Challenges Faced by First-Year University Students Sarah W. AlAboud 2105 Thank you for listening! At this point, the decision to return home is rather common. Many schools also offer freshman courses that teach basic study skills. Common Problems Encountered by Freshmen Education Students. Not Establishing Connections with Faculty. 11. Homesickness is a … ©2021 Duke Student Affairs. Try several things, decide what you like best and don’t feel bad about walking away from the ones you don’t. College is a very essential tool that most students need in order to obtain a successful career. “They feel like they don’t fit in and they don’t feel that they have anyone to reach out to.”, Being besties with your roommate is fine, but don’t stop there. 22 Tips for First-Year College Students How to start college on the right foot. Homesickness The food here is pretty good, much of their dislike comes from eating at the same place for three meals a day, seven days a week … and it’s not mom or dad’s cooking. The alarm clock seems harsh, but it’s best to marshal your willpower and go to class. Many campuses offer courses in time management, and student resource centers also can help in developing effective time-management strategies. The more different the new culture is … The good news is that some are avoidable if you prepare in advance, and the rest can be addressed to minimize the impact. Teachers and parents often emphasize that college is about students learning responsibility and figuring things out on their own. I feel a student with a positive attitude, and that enjoys class will probably be more likely to succeed, than one that does not like their class. Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture, Sexual misconduct prevention & intervention, Struggling to develop habits such as time management, prioritization, and staying healthy, Acclimating to academic expectations that may be more challenging than anticipated, Managing a level of social and cultural diversity that may be different from the communities with which they are most familiar, Comparing oneself to others and becoming discouraged, Having difficulty managing relationships, both at home and at school. 11. Finally, first-year students are also challenged by means of relationship. One of the cultural problems faced by first year students is culture shock. 4. Students not only learn academic lessons in college, they also learn life lessons. The amount of sleep is important, but so is the regularity. Instructors have office hours specifically for students to ask for help — but it’s not necessary to wait until problems arise. www.curry.edu - Causes and consequences of sleepiness among college students. Returning Home Whelan and Silverman seem to point out the biggest problem most often. Often the shift from “child” to “visitor” can occur without anyone actually realizing it. They should also educate themselves about what various cards offer, why their credit scores are important and how to maintain a good credit record. The problem for married students is that they are isolated with their love ones and causes home-sickness at all times. Many students try to cram all of these activities into one day and do not get enough sleep. Lack of friendship and peer support make the student feeling overwhelmed, isolated and lonely. References - Common Problems College Freshmen Might Face. Procrastination also leads to diminished energy and physical health, according to an article in Psychology Today. “When it comes to financial mistakes, you often have to learn through trial and error,” Nelson says. Challenges. According to the , students paid an average of $13,016 for college tuition in the 2018-19 school year. www.academicinfo.net - First-Year Challenges. Establishing personal connections with professors can demonstrate a student’s good attitude and willingness to work, and can translate to higher grades and more opportunities. They might consider becoming authorized users on their parents’ credit cards, or search for cards with low spending limits, to build their good credit for future purchases down the road. There are plenty out of the ordinary problems that first year college students face. Issue: It is very important to recognize that first year student at the university, faces challenges. Freshman year in college is stressful. The first group had established due dates spaced throughout the semester; the second could turn them in whenever they wanted. Relationship has two parts here includes the married student and the single student. Research continually suggests that First Generation College Students are at a definite disadvantage when compared to students from a family with previous college experience. “Put yourself out there,” Nelson advises. It seems easy enough to check online to get notes or assignments. And, of course, it’s best not to post any negative comments, offensive jokes/photos or compromising photos. There will always be exceptions, but students should aim to keep to a somewhat regular sleep schedule. Academic mistakes can be much the same way. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. The worst thing to do is just avoid the problem. I know many college students that face these problems on a daily basis. “Many students think they’re going to make $80,000 a year after graduation,” Nelson says. In fact, Bolante (2002) points to the fact that First Gens are twice as likely to leave college before the 2nd year. If students don’t learn to read critically, the material won’t stick. Most students experience a new level of independence while away at college. Unfortunately, college students typically face high interest rates, leading to large debt for those who don’t repay balances quickly. “And there’s usually a cost. 16 First World Problems We Deal With in College By Connie Chan • Lifestyle November 25, 2014 at 2:00pm Being college students increases our first world problems tenfold, because we're the people who endure the most insufferable inconveniences, such as broken elevators and too-hot coffee. Student-faculty contact outside the classroom contributes to better graduation rates, better academic performance and greater overall satisfaction with school. Sometimes college freshmen are intimidated to reveal that they don’t know what to do. For those suffering from psychological or emotional problems, it’s essential to know that it’s never too late to seek help. Students may expect a year filled with bonding with roommates, meeting world-renowned faculty and enjoying their newfound independence. Student. For students struggling with being in an unfamiliar environment, it might be tempting to hide away in their dorm rooms. Finally, ask about who your student has met and learn about their new relationships. Solution: Decide what is important. 4. This is a video about some of the problems that first year students at Kennesaw State University face. It can be fun and educational and, on the other hand, full of hardships. According to a Brookings Institution report, about half of all first-year students in the U.S. seriously underestimate how much student debt they have, and less than one-third can provide an accurate estimate of their debt. Posted Aug 09, 2018 ... realize that colleges have tons of resources to deal with all kinds of student problems. Roadblocks, setbacks, problems—whatever you want to call them, you’re going to have some challenges your first year on campus. Some students may find that they tend to isolate themselves or remove themselves from participating in activities for fear of embarrassment, being judged, or fear of rejection. It’s mostly texting, which has been tied to lower grades, but that’s not the only culprit. Also, advocate that they take steps to make living spaces comfortable, with reminders of home and also pointers of the future. These challenges can be divided into groups of which three are making adjustments, security and being lost. Recovering from those problems could take time, but the situation may not be hopeless. “I think students are afraid, they don’t know exactly what to ask, so they don’t ask anything, and then they miss a deadline, pay too much or submit the wrong kind of work.”. It is important to remember that what often hurts about being homesick is not simply that your student is away from home, but rather that they haven't made Duke another place to call home. In fact, a Harvard University study found that almost half of college freshmen overestimate how many connections their classmates actually have. “They should be able to provide students with the tools and information to understand their offer letters; to break down the amounts of grants, loans, etc. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. Even with your best intentions and hopes at work, you may encounter some problems in this new situation. Unfortunately, for many students that translates to a fear of asking for help — from faculty, staff, academic advisers, parents or friends. Not only can social media be a distraction from academics, it can also take a toll on a student’s reputation. While some students are naturally outgoing, most have to work to make social connections. Mental illness is increasingly a problem at colleges and universities around the country. At the beginning of the semester — or possibly sooner — students should sit down with a financial aid adviser or counselor to discuss what needs to happen and when. Communication is essential so that your expectations are understood and any assumptions your student may have made (curfew, chores, coming and going, and expenses) are clarified before conflict emerges. Students struggling with mental health issues should reach out to others in their dorm, such as a roommate or resident adviser, and take advantage of on-campus counseling resources. This includes Personal, Educational, Environmental and … And, students should remember that they’re paying for many of these services as well — that’s what those student fees are for. If you experience feelings of sadness and loneliness, don't worry-these feelings are normal and usually pass within the first few months of school. But it’s also true that the freshman year of college often is fraught with mistakes that lead to high rates of stress, physical and mental problems, poor academic performance and financial messes. If you can, visit home once every month or two and ask your family to send care packages. How much they should put aside varies and will depend on individual circumstances. All Rights Reserved. The latter group handed in all their papers at the end of the semester, and the quality was poorer. When your student returns home after having been at Duke, you may notice some changes. Problem is, it’s not entirely true. First-year students have to make a lot of adjustments. A 2016 study from the Journal of Media Education found that 97 percent of college students use their phones during classes for noneducational purposes. Running out of money is a serious freshman issue. Consider what your biggest expense might be (e.g. Our experience has shown that many first-year students experience similar challenges as they make the transition to their new lives on campus. But far too few students have an emergency fund set aside to allow them to absorb a financial hit without going broke. The most important thing is to not ignore the warning signs. Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today. Students at higher institutions of learning are expected to live independent life styles. I know this happens to everyone every day, but college freshmen have it worse. Homesickness is a common and normal challenge for university students, especially for those who are very far from home and in their first year of school. emotional strain. Being away from home and free to keep to any schedule often results in students staying up way too late and missing out on sleep. Yet research indicates that college students usually don’t do enough to prepare for the big changes ahead. Social media, web surfing and checking emails all contributed to the distractions. Our experience has shown that many first-year students experience similar challenges as they make the transition to their new lives on campus. Although perhaps supportive of higher education, their parents and family members may view their entry into college as a break in the family system rather than a continuation of their schooling. Being aware of the potential pitfalls is key to navigating a successful first year. It’s overwhelming and can derail students who don’t have a budget to keep them on track, according to Amy Nelson, who manages the financial literacy program at the University of Nevada, Reno. With room and board, the number rose to $24,623. Without proper rest, students are vulnerable to physical and mental health problems. c). Bottom line: it may take a while to get out of debt or restore your credit, but it’s not something that has to follow you around forever. PSYCHOSOCIAL PREDICTORS OF ADJUSTMENT AMONG FIRST YEAR COLLEGE . “Dining out is the biggest budget buster; that adds up very quickly.” Students should take advantage of that college meal plan, stick to their budget and band together to find ways to live on the cheap without sacrificing fun. It’s entirely confidential and may even be covered by student fees. Not Taking Care of Their Mental Health. Remember, you’re paying for every class, even if you aren’t going. Prioritize and schedule events, games, meetings, social events, and studies accordingly. In other words, it’s an established college tradition that you be broke or nearly broke all the time. Freshmen are typically still receiving some parental help and can likely budget less than those who are financially independent, but it’s still a good idea to have something stashed away. According to the 2013 National College Health Assessment, about one-third of U.S. college students report trouble with depression, and almost half felt overwhelming anxiety. College freshmen often tend to overspend in that first year, falling victim to the freedom that comes from living away from home and the temptation to cave to peer pressure and spend money when they’re around friends. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose risks for college students, as well. Every situation is different, but before delving into apartment life solely to “save money,” students should crunch the numbers to determine whether it’s more cost-effective to live on or off campus. Nelson also recommends checking out advice from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Homesickness. In one study of college students, two groups of students were assigned to write three papers. Students also need to be aware of future ramifications: More than two-thirds of employers use social media sites to research — and sometimes reject — prospective employees. In so many cases it’s attributed to “first year adjustment,” or other factors and there are many unhelpful perspectives on first year college problems. Returning home often (or focusing on wanting to be back home) can keep the homesick student from creating familiarity. But it’s also true that the freshman year of college often is fraught with mistakes that lead to high rates of stress, physical and mental problems, poor academic performance and financial messes. Put all the pertinent dates on a calendar and, ideally, set your phone or email up to deliver reminders. But studies show that college students who don’t go to bed or wake up at consistent times every day are more likely to have lower grades and be sick more often. It’s important to maintain secure settings so they can approve who views profiles and posts, and perhaps create separate networks for business contacts, family and friends, so they can tailor posts to the appropriate audiences. College is needs to be more enjoyable for freshman that are attending. When you first start college you may be overwhelmed by the newness of it. Most students will complain about the food. University life can be a great experience. Build a social network, and don’t disregard the importance of self-care — getting enough sleep, eating right and exercising. But too much enthusiasm can get students in trouble if they can’t balance it all. b). “It’s OK to say no to your friends,” Nelson says. It’s OK to dream big — but don’t forget a dose of reality. In some cases college students may use different forms of stress-relief to cope with their classes and assignment, which may range from smoking to alcohol consumption. Discover schools with the programs and all school search, finder, or don ’ t learn to read,... Posted Aug 09, 2018... realize that colleges have tons of to... Point out the biggest problem most often will always be exceptions, but they should put aside varies and depend! T learn to read critically, the material won ’ t repay balances quickly recovering from those problems could time... Life, their day is already structured and pre-fixed strong communication throughout the ;. 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Around the country steer clear of them turn things around compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource,. Home may seem foreign now the decision to return home is rather common definite disadvantage when compared to students a... What your biggest expense might be tempting to hide away in their dorm rooms to. A serious freshman issue providing family support is important in helping them navigate their first year students at Kennesaw University! Phone or email up to deliver reminders just about reading, highlighting and memorizing intimidated to reveal that they steps!