The journey into adulthood is meant to be a time for growth, exploration and learning. It is a time you may find your dream job and get excited about your future – or at least that’s what some believe to be true. 

The United States currently has over 20 million college students, and some of their actual transitions have instead consisted of substance abuse, depression and anxiety. There is so much pressure to do well, while already having a difficult time transitioning into a new environment and way of living. As young adults, we are exposed to so many things at college, and it isn’t always easy. 

As I interviewed students around campus, they told me about their own experiences since they’ve been away at school. When I asked one girl about her feelings on mental wellness since coming to UD she said, “There is so much pressure to do well, while already having a difficult time transitioning into a new environment away from home”. Some students choose to experiment with illegal substances and dont always make the best decisions. When I questioned a group of guys about this topic, they admitted to sometimes using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or anxiety. Another girl said that during her freshman year of college she “spent 12 to 14 hours a week in either Morris or Perkins, stressing out about all the tests she had coming up in the next few weeks”. 

In total, I spoke with approximately sixteen students on UD’s campus, and the many of them brought up procrastination. They know that leaving assignments to the last minute will not improve their grades or help them better understand what is going on in that particular class, but they continue to do it anyway. This has been proven to increase stress levels dramatically. Most instances of procrastination were due to cell phone usage or going out on school nights. Almost all of them also implied that they have not had a period of time when they did not feel stressed. 

One of the girls I spoke with said, “College is full of demands, deadlines, and frustrations”. She continued to tell me that she has cut down on her time going out, and is spending more time focusing on her school work. Due to this, she stays on top of her assignments and is rarely stressed out.

Many college students are very focused on what their life will be like after college, and are not focusing on what they should or could be experiencing. College is supposed to be about finding what interests you, what job may be the best fit for you, and what you will eventually enjoy as a career. Unfortunately, many students take classes they don’t enjoy, and feel stuck in a major they aren’t happy with. The cost of a college education these days is outrageous, and no one should be unhappy in the major they have chosen. They can end up with a tremendous amount in loans, and if they stay in college for more than four years, the pressure and stress can be even greater. Stress is unavoidable though, no matter what the situation, location, or time; stress in some form will most likely always present. The levels of stress that college students are enduring though can be decreased by finding the perfect balance of school work and social life.

Perkins Student Center