Category: College Help

University/ college related posts

Balancing work, school, and relationships as a college student!

On March 31, 2023

Finding time in a schedule as tightly packed as a student who works can feel impossible. However, every student has struggled with finding the right tiering of priorities, and I have found the ways that help me best to allocate my time wisely!

Visualizing your time

Utilizing apps such as Google Calendar and Apples Calender can change your time management. Taking the mental load off of remembering your commitments and having them all in one place allows extra time to spend on hobbies and self-care.

I like to color code my Google Calender by the type of activity. For example, Red is for school-related things, blue is for work, and green is for plans with friends and family.

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Utilizing a calendar is essential to see where I can fit last-minute plans and study times and when my free time is.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries with work, school, and even family and friends is another critical aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while balancing work and college. I struggle with this, as I typically think I have more hours in a day than I do. This leads to committing to things when I haven’t allowed myself enough time to recharge.

Creating these boundaries and saying no to work shifts, extra credit assignments, and plans with friends allows students to breathe and exit their “fight or flight” mode. Exiting “fight or flight” mode provides time to reflect on your college career and check in with yourself and your future goals. I also found that when I lack “recharging” time, I can become irritable and not feel engaged during things that matter to me.

It can be hard to set these boundaries, but if you can’t put energy into something, you’ll never reap the benefits of your hard work.

Getting Rid of Unachievable Expectations

This can be very hard for those who struggle with perfectionism. However, taking a step back and seeing that not every assignment you turn in has to receive a 100% grade and that you don’t have to be the highest performer at work can relieve a level of stress off your shoulders.

Being a student is a job in itself, and when you pile in relationships, internships, work, and so much more, it is near impossible to do every single one of those perfectly. So avoid burnout by realizing that sometimes you can only give half your usual effort, which is okay!

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

Lastly, one of the hardest lessons every student must learn is that it is okay to ask for help! Many professors, parents, and counselors even encourage it. It takes deep self-reflection and humility to ask for help, and it should never be looked down on! Leaning on your peers during this time should be highlighted more in college because we wouldn’t have a support system without our peers.

If you feel overwhelmed by your daily life, use these tips to ground yourself and get the most out of your days. You are in control of your life and should feel that way! Prioritize your mental well-being and learn ways to achieve your long-term goals healthily. Good luck!

Seeking Out Mental Health Services During your Time in College

By Zoe Taylor

On March 31, 2023

In College Help

Featured Image provided by NPR.

Mental health can be a slippery slope for some people, and it can be incredibly hard to value your mental well-being during college. So I want to help others navigate the difficult world of bettering their mental health!

So I recently had an experience regarding my mental health that made me realize how difficult it can be to try and seek help as a young adult. I am notorious for not feeling like a real adult or having imposter syndrome.

I find it hard to do tasks like going to the doctor because there are so many things that I feel like I still do know as a young adult. But, come on, a 20-year-old, freshly moved out, is supposed to know her co-pay?! Especially in the United States, where the healthcare system depends on insurance. This adds another layer of fear that people seeking help have to conquer.

Well, I did it! With very little help from my parents, I braved of going to a physiatrist and trying to figure out to be the best version of myself regarding my mental health.

From my experience, I want to advise other young adults when they feel they need mental health services!

Check your University for Services

Most universities offer mental health services to their students. For example, I attend the University of Oklahoma, and here we have an entire webpage dedicated to all the mental health services provided.

The University of Oklahoma provides free counseling to its students and other treatment services for a discounted price.

Make sure to check your university (no matter the size!) for their way of providing mental health services to their students.

Check your Insurance

This is where it can start to get tricky. If you want to go outside the university’s services, you must check if 1) you have insurance and 2) (if you do) what that insurance is. From here, you have two options; if you do not have insurance, you will want to check your state’s government-provided insurance program and see if you qualify. If you have insurance, you can type in whatever you want. For example, I love using “Zodoc.”

This website lets you say what type of doctor you are looking for, where you are located, and your insurance! Once you do this, you will be asked questions to find the best doctor. In addition, many will have their appointment system hooked up, allowing you to do telehealth visits.

Lean on Friends and Family

If you are still lost and have no clue where to start: reach out to those around you.

Many students may lack a familial figure; however, being a university student, you have a built-in system for support. Reach out to trusted professors and peers with shared experiences, and even call the Counseling Services office to ask questions if you need to!

Asking questions is the first step in getting help and is essential to getting the treatment you need. Being a student can be challenging; lean on your resources and never be afraid to ask for help!