Adjustment Issues

Adjustment Issues Often Facing College Students

Adjustment issues are not an uncommon stressor that faces college students, and if it is not addressed, it can often lead to greater anxiety and stress. Adjustment issues can come about from a variety of changes but some of the most common adjustment issues for college students stem from:

  • Role Changes
  • Relationships
  • Academic demands
  • Social demands

Adjustment issues often present in the following ways:

  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Sadness / frequent crying
  • Anxiety / feelings of worry
  • Headaches and / or stomachaches
  • Withdrawal or isolation from people and social activities
  • Changes in appetite
  • Problems sleeping / feeling tired

How to tackle adjustment issues:

  • Reach out to others! Find someone you trust, someone whom you feel you can discuss your feelings with. The Counseling and Wellness Center can be a great place to start. You can also reach out to your parents, a friend, or another student ... someone who you trust and is there to support you.
  • College life is full of adults who are also adjusting to being students and figuring out what they want to do (just like you!). Finding a group or club on campus that is made up of people who share your interests can help with feelings of sadness, isolation and anxiety and can help build relationships.
  • Balancing the demands of an academic and social life can be tricky. By planning out your time and scheduling time for you, friends, and school, you may find you feel less overwhelmed and anxious (and you also won't forget anything!).
  • Utilize resources available to you. There is a group of staff members here at SF who are here to help you succeed. Academic Advising, the Career Exploration Center, the Counseling and Wellness Center, financial aid programs and clubs on campus are all resources here to help you figure out where your "spot" on campus is.
  • If you are experiencing homesickness, there are many ways that you can help yourself to feel better. It may help to reach out to groups in the area. If you are missing speaking in a particular language, engaging in various cultural activities, or miss being around a religion – try to find a group that will help you remember home. You can also make time to schedule times to talk or video chat with family or friends on a regular basis so that you can still feel the support and love you got when you were home.
  • If you're a student struggling with mental health issues both the Counseling and Wellness Center and Disabilities Resource Center may help find the resources and information you need. Additionally, the information available in this online guide may be useful for really exploring and preparing for the college transition.

Counseling can help…

Sometimes it can be nice to have the chance to talk to someone about all the changes in your life. We are here to help you succeed! Everyone adjusts to new situations and roles differently. So don't be hesitant to come by the office to talk about what is going on in your life and about your adjustment here at SF.