– Aadya Sharma, Kunal Jaluka and Suresh C Joshi, Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling, OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana. Graduating from high school is the first step into adult life for a student, and choosing a career path is never easy for teenagers confronted with multitudes of possibilities and opportunities. This essay focuses on students who go to college after graduating high school and are confronted with multifaceted problems. Making the choice of college is always hard at any age, even more so during teenage because young adults are experiencing many hormonal and emotional changes that might affect their impulsivity and decisions. Nevertheless, it is a choice that determines the path they pave for themselves and is of utmost importance because the trajectory of their lives depends on it. Problems faced by freshmen at college. While graduating from school is exciting and the prospect of college and a new lifestyle is attractive, the practical aspects of collegiate life could be new and surprising, and at times, overwhelming. It is smart to be informed of the challenges and problems you might face in the first few semesters in college and be prepared for them! Problems faced by students as they go through this transition aren’t just related to academics, as a matter of fact, various other factors could stress out students and these problems are multifaceted. They could be broadly categorised as academic, social, emotional, financial, and legal challenges. Academic challenges. When students are in school, teachers remind them of their grades, academic performance, co-curricular activity, and academic well-being is usually looked after by an adult that they know — a favourite teacher, counselor, coach, or other authoritative figure at school. But in undergrad education, there’s no hand-holding. In college/university students are responsible and accountable for their own progress and failure. No one keeping track of their falling grades and especially their extra-curricular activities. This could be a major stressor for many freshmen in college with the mental burden of always maintaining track of their academics making notes and meeting deadlines having devolved on them. One solution is to maintain uniformity and consistency in keeping up and falling behind. Moreover, the pace of teaching is usually faster at university levels so it is advisable to be in touch with peers and professors not to fall behind. Allow oneself to be helped, don’t hesitate to ask your professors for help when you require it. Go to the counselor if you feel lost, they will help you with things like time management and help you get organised. Another problem is that the academic schedule is usually less structured in college than it is in school. One should always note down the class syllabus and the books that they might require at the starting of a semester. Students should join and organise study groups that can help one to socialise as well as get academic help. And even after working on everything perfectly, some students won’t score well, leading to grade shock.…
