Academic Expectations:

Parents and teachers expect students to achieve certain academic goals, whether those include making the dean's list or graduating on time. Professors, staff and peers at school may also push students to work hard in school. In many cases, more ambitious students face pressure to get good grades, graduate and get a job.

Finances:

College is often a time where young adults face major financial responsibilities and stressors for the first time. Learning to balance a checkbook, making personal financial decisions on a regular basis and avoiding the allure of expensive shopping trips are basic challenges. Additionally, college students must often weigh the pros and cons of using financial aid for school. Many work to pay for some or all of their tuition, books and living expenses. Balancing work and school responsibilities adds to the stress!

College Relationships:

College students often find a number of new social experiences and relationships during their first several weeks of school. Romantic relationships can also increase the potential for hurt feelings, excessive worrying and heartache. Students must be cautious about the types of close friends they gather. Friendships with constant party-goers who have no ambition for school can lead students down a stressful path.

Independence and Accountability:

For many college students, gaining some level of independence can lead to greater stress. The freedom to make choices and get out from under parental control is appealing to many first-year students. When dishes need to be washed, bills paid, rooms cleaned and problems resolved, the reality of what independence really means can contribute to a college student's stress.

Peers:

During the college years, peer pressure can be quite fierce. Coeds often face pressure from their classmates to experiment with drugs, sexual activity, and other potentially harmful behaviours. For those who choose not to participate in such activities, resisting pressure can be a source of stress. Individuals who do venture into behaviours that might better be avoided also experience stress, typically both emotional and physical in nature.

Facing the Future:

While some students have a clear vision of the lives they want to enjoy as adults, many feel overwhelmed by the idea of trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives. College students feel pressure to make educational and career decisions that can impact the rest of their lives.

Multitasking Stress:

College students often engage in multiple activities outside of school. In addition to taking several classes at one time, students may also be juggling jobs, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, family responsibilities, and more. While figuring out how to handle multiple simultaneous responsibilities can be excellent practice for adulthood, doing so is certainly a cause of stress for many students.