Returning to university away from home can be a bittersweet experience – for both kids and parents. As a therapist, I have helped parents dealing with feelings of grief, loss, some relief, and for some — an empty nest. For teens going away from home for the first time or even returning, there are new adventures and opportunities, but also a wave of challenges that can contribute to significant stress. This blog post explores the emotional toll of returning to university away from home, delves into the potential stressors involved, and offers practical coping strategies to help students navigate this transition.
Understanding the Emotional Impact:
Going back to university away from home can evoke a range of emotions, including:
- Homesickness: The longing for familiar surroundings and loved ones can be overwhelming, especially during times of stress or loneliness.
- Anxiety: The fear of the unknown, academic pressures, and social uncertainties can contribute to heightened anxiety levels.
- Loneliness: Being away from friends, family, and community can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Overwhelm: The combination of academic demands, extracurricular activities, and social life can create a sense of being overwhelmed.
- Grief: Some students may experience grief over the loss of their previous routines and comfort zones.
Common Stressors:
- Academic Pressure: The demands of coursework, exams, and assignments can be overwhelming, especially for students balancing part-time jobs or extracurricular activities.
- Social Adjustment: Building new friendships and navigating social situations can be challenging, especially for introverted or socially anxious students, and students leaving a close network of friends or romantic partner.
- Financial Strain: The cost of living away from home, including tuition, rent, and living expenses, can be a significant source of stress.
- Health Concerns: Adjusting to a new environment, managing a busy schedule, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be difficult, leading to stress-related health issues.
- Cultural Shock: For international students, adapting to a new culture and language can be a significant source of stress.
Here are some coping strategies:
- Build a Support Network: Connect with other students, join clubs or organizations, and reach out to faculty and staff for support.
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritize sleep, exercise, and healthy eating habits to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Time Management: Develop effective time management skills to balance academic demands with personal life.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practice mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Seek Professional Help: If stress is significantly impacting your academic performance or mental health, consider seeking counselling or therapy. Remember that universities and colleges likely have counselling centres you can contact. Some family health teams also have therapists or counsellors on hand. You may also be able to find therapists at a sliding scale. See if your tuition or student union provides benefits coverage for therapists as well to offer a broader range of choice. Some therapists on campus can help with things like time management. From an academic lens, remember that campuses also generally have writing centres or other places you can access for academic help.
- Stay Connected with Loved Ones: Maintain regular communication with family and friends through phone calls, video chats, text, or social media.
- Explore Your Campus and Community: Discover new places and activities in your university town to reduce feelings of isolation.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Join a Support Group: Connect with other students who are experiencing similar challenges.
- Find a Hobby or Passion: Engage in activities that you enjoy to reduce stress and boost your mood.
Remember, it’s okay to seek help and support. Returning to university away from home can be a challenging transition, but with effective coping strategies, you can navigate the emotional terrain and thrive in your academic journey. And for parents? Make sure you are also getting the support you need so your kids aren’t feeling the weight of your emotions while navigating their own.
