Three students walk together, smiling and laughing, outside on the MSU Denver campus en español: Tres estudiantes caminan juntos, sonriendo y riendo, en el campus de MSU Denver.
Three students walk together, smiling and laughing, outside on the MSU Denver campus en español: Tres estudiantes caminan juntos, sonriendo y riendo, en el campus de MSU Denver.

What are some of the common challenges students face when adjusting to college life?

Starting college can be overwhelming because almost everything in your life changes! Suddenly, it seems like you are being asked to do so much more than you ever had before — and with less support than ever before, too.

Making the adjustment can be hard. Some of the most common challenges students face include:

  • being overwhelmed academically
  • learning how to manage time
  • financial stressors, managing adulting tasks like getting health coverage and paying bills, and
  • many new relationships to negotiate and former relationships can become harder to maintain.

How can students overcome these challenges?

Mental health for students becomes so very important while adjusting to college and is one of the top predictors of academic and life success. When you manage your stress successfully, it makes it easier to manage the many new challenges of college.

Learn the 5 Rs of stress management to help you overcome challenges:

1. Rest: Sleep makes a huge difference, just ask an Olympic athlete how important sleep is to their performance. Be intentional about this.

2. Relaxation: Breathing, meditation, mindfulness practices, letting go. Learning how to breathe deeply can make a huge impact; look up “Square Breathing,” and make it a daily practice.

3. Relationship: Share how you are struggling with a close friend. Make a new one. Connection with a good friend can be like a vaccine – it inoculates you against stress. Find ways to laugh together with your friends.

4. Recreation: Play and physical activity are a positive stimulation for your brain and your mood. Campus Recreation Center is a great outlet to get involved.

5. Roadrunners, Ready to Rise: When you get knocked down, be tenacious, and get back “in the arena” and show them who you are. Take a friend with you.

How can students build a social network, if they’re struggling making friends?

Building community and developing relationships is transformative, but unfortunately, isolation and loneliness are often hidden on a campus. There can be pressure to look like you are thriving — even when you are not. Many students have this experience during their time at college.

Follow your interests and find a place to belong. It is in community that you can explore your identity and become the person who rises over challenges.

Here are some tips:

  • Know you are not alone, and everyone is looking to connect with someone.
  • Go to university events and seek out interests and activities you like. This will give you an immediate connection with others.
  • Learn about Campus Recreation and everything they have to offer.
  • Join a club or organization on campus.
  • Become a tutor or peer mentor.
  • Get a campus job in an area of interest.
  • Find an opportunity to volunteer with others for a cause that is important to you.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, know that it’s a very common experience. Also, MSU Denver has resources on campus for you to get through it.

For mental health support, reach out to the MSU Denver Counseling Center. You can call (303) 615-9988 for an appointment or simply walk into our office on the 6th floor of Tivoli.

We are here for you!

— Randal Boldt, Executive Director of Counseling Center