What Your Students Are Really Going Through
College is a huge transition in the life of every student. Whether they are going to a community college close to home, or attending a big university hundreds of miles away, every student has struggles of some sort in their new season of living the college lifestyle.
As a current college student, I know firsthand how stressful college can be. As I begin my time at Levelhead-Ed, I know how important their life skills and teachings are. In my four years of college, I have been most grateful when professors are patient and understanding of my workload and my mental health. I have appreciated when they have taken the time out of their day to help me on an assignment or have given me an extension when a deadline has been too stressful. They have taught me how my school work is important, but my health is what comes first. Our professors are our primary link to the real world, so it is important to build relationships and connections with them to help us prepare for the future. Here are a few things students are dealing with as we find our way through the college experience.
Moving Away From Home
A majority of first-time students move into the dorms, regardless of if they are staying in their hometown, or moving away. Being a new adult and moving away from home to start the new chapter of their life can be difficult. They are no longer under the security of their parents and have to learn to do everything themselves like laundry, cooking and cleaning. They encounter so many new challenges, some of which they may be unprepared for. Levelhead-Ed helps students learn coping skills when they encounter these challenges. It helps remind students that they are not alone and to take every situation one at a time.
Living With Strangers
Another huge adjustment that students have to go through is learning to live with people that they have never met before. Not only do you have to learn to live with strangers, but you have to learn to live together in a very small space. There will be as many as 3-6 students living in one room, learning to share a bathroom, shower, closet, and much more. These tight living spaces lead to roommate conflict at one point or another which could lead to an uncomfortable or difficult living environment. Learning empathy, kindness, and compassion skills are essential, because you will be in close living areas with many other people for the next four years.
Classes and Homework
On top of all of these life changes and major events, students also have to worry about classes and homework. The college course load and homework load are pretty significant, especially in comparison to high school. Students are focusing on the classes that they are interested in, to learn if they want to continue to pursue that as a career. They have hours of homework every week and numerous classes to attend. They are juggling so many things at once, and it can get to be a bit stressful. Not only are stress reduction skills helpful during these times, but learning how to increase focus and attention can make a tremendous difference.
All of these new experiences add a tremendous weight to the shoulders of your students. They have so many other life stressors to carry than just one class worth of homework. And, it’s important for them to learn how to focus on themselves and relax and listen to their mind and body so they do not get too overwhelmed.
Levelhead gives students the tools that they need to reduce stress when going through those life changes in college. By integrating the lessons into the classroom, Levelhead-Ed also provides the needed structure and accountability to teach skills that students may not learn or explore on their own. We are a busy group of people, and many times, the things that are good for us are at the bottom of our to-do list. The Levelhead micro lessons give students easy access on their mobile devices to help give them a calm and clear mind throughout each day and help prepare us for our lives ahead. Isn’t that really the most important work we can learn in these college years?