Mental Health Struggles Adolescents Feel When Transitioning to University (Written by Jordan Chong)
The transition to university is often seen as a significant milestone in a young adult's life. It's a time filled with new opportunities—making new friends, experiencing greater independence, and advancing one’s academic career. However, this transition can also bring a range of mental health struggles. The excitement of university life is often accompanied by the stress of new responsibilities and expectations, leaving many students feeling overwhelmed. The very aspects of university life that students look forward to—such as meeting new people, achieving academic success, and gaining independence—can also contribute to anxiety and pressure, making it crucial to understand the mental health challenges that accompany this transition.
Challenges of Transitioning Into University
For many adolescents, the shift from high school to university presents a variety of challenges. Many students, particularly those who have spent most of their lives living at home, often struggle with the separation from their families and the responsibilities that come with living independently. This change can be especially challenging for those who find it difficult to self-regulate and lack the support systems they are accustomed to (Ruberman, 2014). In addition to the emotional aspect of separation, university students must learn to balance academic responsibilities, financial management, and personal relationships—all while managing the pressure to meet the expectations of their guardians as well as themselves (Xin Ci Soh et al., 2023). Furthermore, factors such as a student’s economic background, living environment, or career path can make this transition even more difficult. These pressures can create feelings of stress and uncertainty, as students try their best to adapt to this new life stage (Ruberman, 2014).
Anxiety Among University Students
The prevalence of anxiety among university students has significantly increased in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. The long-term isolation during the pandemic, combined with the psychological stress students experienced as a result of this isolation, has left many students feeling unfamiliar with normal school life. The shift from online learning to an in-person environment only added to this stress, with many students struggling to adapt to this new workload with different face-to-face interactions (Xin Ci Soh et al., 2023). Nowadays, due to the challenges previously mentioned that accompany university life, anxiety has become a common experience for many students, leading to negative consequences such as poor health, impaired cognitive performance, and sleep disturbances (Xin Ci Soh et al., 2023). Research also suggests that self-efficacy—the belief in one's ability to handle challenges—plays a critical role in how students cope with stress. Students with lower levels of self-efficacy often perceive stressors as more overwhelming, which can trigger anxiety symptoms (Wang et al., 2023). This cycle of stress and anxiety can affect students’ overall well-being, making it essential to address these issues early on.
Ways to Reduce This Anxiety and Take Care of Yourself
Reducing anxiety and maintaining mental health during the transition to university requires a multifaceted approach. Students must focus on building resilience and self-sufficiency. While it may be tempting to return home frequently for comfort, it's important for students to embrace their independence and give themselves time to adjust to their new environment. Guardians of university students can help by offering patience and support, allowing students the space to grow and adapt to the challenges of independent living (Ruberman, 2014). For students themselves, taking breaks from their studies can greatly alleviate the stress of university life. Participating in physical activities, such as sports, working out, or exercising, has been shown to improve psychological resilience and is an effective stress-relief mechanism. (Liu et al., 2024). Another strategy university students can use to reduce academic anxiety is improving sleep hygiene. Many students suffer from poor sleep schedules, often due to factors such as irregular class times, alcohol and caffeine consumption, and excessive screen time before bed. This sleep deprivation negatively affects various aspects of their lives, leading to even more stress. Actionable steps students can take are taking naps, selecting more reasonable class schedules, and moderating screen, alcohol, and caffeine consumption before bedtime. (Hershner & Chervin, 2014). Additionally, it is advised that students maintain self-care practices throughout their academic career. Activities such as meditation, journaling, spending quality time with friends and family, engaging in hobbies, and seeking counselling are all valuable methods of self-care. By adopting these strategies, students can navigate this exciting new chapter in their lives with greater confidence and resilience.
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