The Untold Struggles of College
It is difficult enough for yourself to watch your kid leave home, but when you realize the struggles that they will be presented with when they arrive at college, it makes the situation that all the more emotional. The reality of college-life should not scare you, but rather assist you in making smarter choices in planning your college-bound child’s move.
Something that many students are faced with when they arrive on campus is that mom and dad are no longer around to help keep them motivated. A lot of people are able to overcome this quite easily, but for many others it’s be an uphill battle. Alongside demanding classes and lengthy assignments are the pressures to party, skip class, and slack off. Being confronted with these decisions can make it difficult for the student to find a school-life balance. On one hand, they want to make friends and live up to the “college experience” that society hypes up, while on the other, they know they are there for an education and thousands of dollars are on the line shall they let their grades slip. It is no wonder that students become so overwhelmed and often develop mental health complications. Certain educational tools such as an organizer/planner and myKlovr, a digital college counselor, can be of great assistance in staying motivated in school.
Keep in touch with your child and make sure they are doing okay. You, as well, need to find a balance between giving them their independence and touching base to ensure their safety and well-being. Encourage them to visit on-campus counselors. Many universities provide counseling centers for students for no extra charge. It is completely normal to see a counselor, and often times the healthiest person in a family is the one who sees a counselor.
Many students attend university out of their hometown and for a lot of these people, they are surprised by the culture shock they face. While the United States is a single country, the cultural differences from state-to-state alone are striking. The seemingly small things like common phrases, classroom dynamics, dining etiquette and recipes and social expectations can lead some out-of-state students to feel isolated. It is important to note that these cultural differences, while sometimes quite difficult to adjust to, can be very beneficial for anyone. It opens one's mind to new perspectives and provides them with a more worldly outlook on life. This exposure to new cultures helps with broadening social skills and understanding differences within people.
The last struggle of many first-year college students I will discuss is the introduction of a shared living space. A lot of these kids never had to share a room growing up, so lacing their own private room can be a challenge for many. Make sure your student communicates with their roommate and understands that sharing a bedroom often means compromise. They need to understand their roommate’s boundaries and preferences and learn to respect them, otherwise things can get awkward and sour very quick. Most schools allow room switches up until about half-way into the semester, so if the living situation isn’t working, let a residence assistant know and they will discuss the options from there.
Moving out for the first time is a big deal and can be very challenging for some people, but it also is huge stepping stone in life and develops people’s maturity. Every independent adult had to move out at some point, and we can all agree that it has its challenges, but is vital for maturing. Be understanding of your child’s struggles and encourage them to be open and honest.
A division of Student Global, LLC in New York, myKlovr is an AI-driven digital college counseling platform. Learn more: http://www.myklovr.com/.
Please be advised that all the information in this course is provided to educate, enlighten, and broaden your views in life. The information provided is not a substitute for medical, legal, dietary, financial/accounting, or religious professionals. Always consult a professional before you act on any of the information you find in this course.
Please be sure to consult your attorney, accountant, and/or other professionals with any specific questions. There is no one right answer to any business question that will cover all circumstances.
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