Don’t freak out! How to combat the stress that comes with returning to campus

Returning to campus can sometimes feel like being on a roller coaster. There are a lot of things students look forward to when returning to campus, but there is also a lot of work to do to prepare for the start of classes.

There are so many things to be excited about; new classes, seeing friends and roommates after summer break, making new friends, sports and recreational activities. The list could go on for a while.

The flip-side to that coin is, there are also a number of things that can cause students stress when returning to campus: preparing for classes to begin, a class that seems like it may be difficult, work, and other demands can begin to feel heavy in a short period of time. 

It is important to make sure that we, as students, focus on our mental health, and striving to maintain a good school/work/life balance is as good a place as any to begin.

Taking time to relax, reset and restore can be very beneficial. Self-care takes on many forms: carving out an hour a day to sit quietly while reading, going for a hike in the beautiful natural landscape that Southern Illinois provides, talking to friends on campus, maintaining the relationships with those back home, or anything else that brings you peace and calm. 

Sometimes, however, we don’t even realize we’re in need of self-care until we’re to the point that reading or hiking won’t quite help what we’re dealing with.

In that case, there are a wide range of resources available to students on campus who may be feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of the upcoming academic year.

Taking advantage of the services provided at the Counseling Center is an excellent way to prevent sliding further into distress.

Don’t forget that reaching out to our professors is always an option as well. Every professor has scheduled office hours and many are available for private zoom meetings as well. Keeping your professors in the loop will help to lessen your burdens if you’re struggling.

Joining one of the numerous Registered Student Organizations (RSO) is a great way for newcomers and returning students alike to make new friends in an environment they can feel comfortable in. 

There are so many amazing things to do on campus, and in Carbondale and the surrounding areas. Your next adventure is just a Google search away!

Above all, it’s important to do your best to enjoy not only your college experience, but life in general. The demands of being a student can be overwhelming at times, but striving to balance those demands with things you enjoy will help tremendously. 

Stay healthy and happy. Welcome back to campus!

Staff reporter Erica Loos can be reached at [email protected].

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