published: 24 Oct 2020
5 min read | website: www.ebr.com.au
1) Money
Problem: Tuition costs are rising at alarmingly high rates. Add to that the cost of meals, supplies, transportation, and textbooks, and you have a university student's worst nightmare. University students drop out of school each year because they cannot afford the price. Others are forced to juggle full academic schedules with full time jobs to make ends meet. It is becoming increasingly difficult for students to graduate debt-free.
Solution: Student loans are relatively easy to get. Many students, however, don't know how repayment works and just how many years they may spend paying off their loans. Consider an on-campus job. Working on-campus will cut out potential transportation expenses and help you stay more focused academically. If you had a job in high school and are going to university locally, see if you can keep working while in school. If you are going away to school, inquire about transferring to a job location near your school. In addition, create a budget for shopping trips and eating out and stick to it.
2) Depression
Problem: Every problem on this list can raise a student's stress level. Some find relief in partying, and others (even some who party) may find themselves getting depressed.
Solution: If stress and depression are an issue, seek professional support. Many campuses have free counseling programs for students. Counselors are trained to listen and help students get back on track. This doesn't mean the partying has to stop either, so long as students are partying responsibly and legally.
3) Making new friends
Getting to know new people is one of the best things about going to college. You get to meet like-minded people who quickly become your best friends. The only problem is, in your first week alone you will probably meet dozens of friendly people and remembering the names of them all can be pretty challenging. Don't be afraid to ask them their name the second time you meet they probably can't remember yours either so they'd be glad you asked.
4) Budgeting
Buying your own food, paying your own rent and fending for yourself in general can be a bit scary in your first year of college. Noodles become your best friend and you will quickly learn about saving money. Keeping an eye on your bank account is really important and your best bet is to sign up for a student account while you're in college. That way you will get all sorts of benefits that non-students don't get. Things like free ATM transactions and a handy online banking system can be a saving grace.
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