It’s no secret that college can be stressful. Between homework, studying, on or off-campus jobs and activities (like Greek Life), it can be hard to stay on top of things. It can be even harder to find time for yourself. College life takes its toll on you in many ways, but these are some of the most common.
1. You and your roommate don’t get along.
We’ve all been there. Clashing personalities can be a source of stress and anxiety for anyone, but if you have three eight-page papers to finish and your roommate is blasting Supernatural, it can be hard to deal with. In most cases, keeping the lines of communication open can lessen the drama, reducing your overall stress. If it gets hard to handle, remember that you probably annoy your roommate as much as he/she annoys you.
2. You need money, but you’re always broke.
Finances can be difficult, especially if you’re a spender. Do you save half your paycheck or spend it on clothes? Do you buy groceries for the week or order pizza? Money will run out quickly even if you are a smart shopper. If you’re a saver, you still have to worry about paying bills each month and trying not to freak out when your money is gone.
3. You don’t get enough sleep.
I am definitely guilty of this. Sometimes I choose to act like a responsible adult and get to bed at a decent hour, but most of the time I stay up late doing my daily devotion, getting homework done or texting my friends while watching yet another episode of "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt." You may not think it’s a big deal to stay up late, but it negatively affects your body. In addition to not being awake the next day and not feeling motivated to do your homework (or anything else), you increase your chances of getting sick. Lack of sleep is also linked to depression, which you can read about here.
4. You and your significant other broke up.
As Neil Sedaka once said, breaking up is hard to do. If you’re anything like me, it can be nerve-wracking to start the conversation and admit that the relationship is no longer working out. Guilt, fear, nervousness, and anxiety can eat away at you even after the deed is done. On the other hand, being broken up with can cause depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. It can significantly lower your self-esteem and make you feel like you’re not good enough as you are (which is a lie).
5. You keep all your problems inside.
Going to the counseling center or talking to a friend about what’s going on with you can make all the difference. You may think nobody cares or that your problems aren’t worth sharing, but that isn’t true. A good friend will always be there.
