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Seasonal Student Issues

There's a seasonal ebb and flow when it comes to student issues. Here are a few things your student may be experiencing this month:

Getting adjusted to college life for the first time (or once again) — feelings of loneliness and homesickness
Worries about being able to handle academic pressures and schedules
Anxiety about perceived restrictions of campus policies
Roommate adjustments and conflicts
Money management struggles
Experimentation with drugs and alcohol
International students may feel confusion, vulnerability and lack of advocacy
Lack of social life and lots of questions about how to get involved in new activities
Feeling sad about leaving established friends and family at home
Concern about issues of "belonging" and finding a comfortable place on campus
Excitement coupled with anxiety about making a fresh start
Worry about academics being "hard" and beyond their abilities
Thinking about what type of first impression they'll make
Concern about roommates and housing (if living on campus)
Wondering what to pack and what to leave at home since space will be limited
Possibly transitioning into a long-distance relationship or deciding to end a current relationship
Financial worries — wondering if they'll be able to make enough during the summer and also how much they'll need to work once school begins