Common Causes of Stress in College

Many students deal with stress in college—which can be a significant factor in the dreaded 'Freshman 15'. In fact, due partially to stress, a surprisingly high percentage of college freshmen don’t go on to graduate. What accounts for this stress? The following are common college stressors:

Academic Stress

Not surprisingly, the workload of college is significantly more involved than the high school workload. This also comes with less hand-holding from parents and teachers.

With challenging classes, scheduling issues to coordinate, difficult tests and other academic obstacles, coupled with the most independent nature of the college learning structure, many new and returning students find themselves studying long, hard hours.

Social Stress

College freshmen face the most obvious social challenges that usually involve leaving one’s entire support structure behind, creating a new social network, dealing with being away from home for the first time, and finding less parental support. Because of these changes, most students face social stress.

Finding and living with a roommate, balancing friends with school work (and often part-time jobs), and dealing with the dynamics of young adult relationships can all be difficult, and these challenges can lead to significant stress.

Other Stresses

There are also many miscellaneous stresses that often come from college life. Many students keep crazy hours from staying up late to study, getting up early for classes, and trying to cram in all the work and fun that can possibly fit.

Often the logistics of living more independently—from laundry to car insurance—can cause stress. New students deal with missing home and more seasoned students may wonder if they’re in the right major.

The Impact of Stress

What effect do these issues have on students? Just as everyone deals with stress in a unique way, college students experience a range of consequences from stress, from mild to severe. Here are some of the common effects of stress:

Experience of Stress

One of the most commonly felt consequences of college stress is a feeling of being overwhelmed. While trying to find a balance of how hard to work (and play), many college students struggle with perfectionism or unhealthy habits like heavy drinking.

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Weight Issues

Partially because of stress and partially because of other social and practical issues faced by college students, many struggles with their weight. Many gain 10-20 pounds around their first year and others lose weight unintentionally or struggle with eating disorders.

Dropout Rate

You may be surprised to hear that roughly 50% of American students who enter college don’t end up graduating. According to U.S. Census figures, 6-in-10 high school seniors go on to college the following year, but only 29% of adults 25 and over had at least a bachelor’s degree. Certainly, finances and life circumstances play into that figure, but the stress of college life is a factor that should not be ignored.

Because of these factors—and because college is supposed to be enjoyed, not endured—it’s important to keep college stress under control. Exploring college life stress relief strategies can help you find the resources you need to keep these years more relaxed, productive, and just plain fun.