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First-Year Fears:
More Than Just the "Freshman 15"
By Paul D. Rosevear
December/January 2003

The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- You're going to college, and you can barely stand the anticipation. No doubt you're eagerly awaiting mind-stimulating coursework, the overall freedom to do what you want when you want, new friends, a spark in your love life, and great parties. But did you know freshman year is proven to be highly taxing on students, both mentally and physically?

Let's start with the facts. In a recent study conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles, statistics show that students often feel depressed, experience a decrease in overall physical health, and have a drop in emotional health as well. These results are based on the responses of 3,680 students from 50 different four-year institutions.

Mary Stuart Hunter, director of the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, feels that despite such studies, the impact of freshman year is oftentimes greatly underestimated.

"Part of the problem is how college is portrayed in the media," she says. "Television shows, movies, and news reports rarely show students engaged in academic pursuits -- they focus on the fun, social aspects."

So why is it that kids struggle to re-orient themselves freshman year? "Students are forced to balance newfound freedoms with the responsibilities that go along with them. Therein lies the challenge," says Hunter. "It comes down to effective time-management skills," and let's face it -- some of us cope better than others.

The pressure to succeed in college extends beyond academics. Those everyday decisions like figuring out where to eat, when to change bedsheets, and how to keep up with your laundry can be overwhelming! Juggling these pressures can literally take a toll on your physical well-being, especially in terms of getting enough rest. "Sleep patterns change drastically, and most students don't get the good sleep they need," contends Hunter. "They have a lot on their plate, and they're in close proximity with other students, so sleep tends to become less of a priority."

So what's the point? Simply stated -- there's no need to fear the stresses of college. Be aware of them and work your way through. By educating yourself on what to expect when you get to campus, you should be A-okay!