Don’t Let Going Back to School Stress You Out: Essential Tips for Managing Back-to-School Stress

As college students gear up for a new academic year, managing back-to-school stress is vital for a successful school year.

“Just because something is fun and exciting doesn’t mean that it won’t cause you stress,” said Dr. Aresh Assadi, director of Counseling Services at UA Little Rock. “There is good stress and bad stress. Going to college is a great time in life, but there is also stress that comes with new opportunities and life changes, like moving, meeting deadlines, and managing expectations.”

Adjusting to college life can be difficult, especially for new students and those who are moving from far away.

“Students often feel homesick and miss their family, friends, and old way of life,” Assadi said. “For a lot of people, college is where they have to take care of themselves for the first time. Independence is nice, but it can be tough. The major stressor  in college is that you are constantly being evaluated. Staying on top of assignments and meeting people’s expectations can be tough for students.”

UA Little Rock’s Counseling Services offers a wide range of resources and support to help students navigate the transition of returning to campus life, such as counseling and mental health programming. You can join them for Movement Mondays at noon every Monday in front of the campus bookstore to go on a walk. Online meditation sessions are offered at 9 a.m. on Mondays and noon on Thursdays.

“It’s not a stretch to say that we need our brains to work properly to do well academically,” Assadi said. “If someone is too stressed out, they won’t be able to do their assignments, stay on track, and do everything they need to do to be successful. Before you have a strong anxiety episode, come and ask for help. We can provide you with coping skills and different tools and resources to prevent that from happening.”

Assadi has some tips to help college student learn how to manage back-to-school stress like a pro:

1. Set realistic goals – Having clear objectives can help you stay focused and motivated. Setting clear goals can keep you grounded and keep you from getting overwhelmed with the new challenges of college.

2. Establish a routine – Consistency is the key to managing your time effectively. This will help you balance your responsibilities and avoid last minute stress.

3. Prioritize self-care – Self-care is the little things you do just for yourself; it’s the ways in which we take care of our mental health. For me, it’s taking a walk, reading a book or meditating. Your mental and physical health are crucial for academic success. If you don’t feel like exercising alone, you can meet us every Monday at noon in front of the bookstore.

4. Stay organized – Staying organized helps reduce stress, keeps you on track, and makes sure you don’t miss important commitments during your college career.

5. Get involved – Engaging in extracurricular activities is a great way to meet people, develop skills, and enhance your college experience. Things seem a lot less stressful, especially college, when you are not doing them alone.

6. Maintain a positive mindset – Having a positive outlook on life will help you navigate the ups and downs of the semester and keep you from getting too stressed out.

7. Seek help when you need it – Coming to college is a major adjustment, but there is always someone on campus who can help you with your problems. You just have to ask for help. Unfortunately, there can be a stigma when it comes to mental health services, which is why people sometimes forgo asking for help when they really need it. That just makes it all the more important to ask for help.

If you find yourself needing some help adjusting to college, “Counseling Services is here for you. We have a great staff with tons of experience. If you or your friends are having any issues that deal with mental health, we are here for you. You don’t have to go through it alone,” Assadi said.

You can find out more information by visiting ualr.edu/counseling or visiting Counseling Services on the first floor of the Student Services Center, Suite 118.