Student Issues / Attending College

Mental illness is still somewhat of a taboo subject, even though it affects millions of Americans of all ages. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 1 in 5 American adults suffer from some form of mental illness but only 41% of those with mental illness ever seek treatment. The stigma of mental illness makes it difficult for people who struggle with it to reach out for help, especially when they are young and may not be sure what’s going on.

Unfortunately, mental illness is very common in college students and it can impact more than just academic performance – it can affect the quality of life as well. Keep reading to learn more about common mental health issues as well as the challenges they create for students and how to manage them.

Understanding Common Mental Health Issues

There are many different forms of mental illness and they affect people in different ways. Though mental health issues are vast and varied, there are some more common than others. The top mental health issues facing college students include the following:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Eating Disorders
• Addiction

Depression is not just one of the most common forms of mental illness overall – it also affects as many as 36% of college students on some level. This condition is characterized by low mood, sadness, hopelessness, and changes in sleep, weight, and appetite. Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults over the

Everyone experiences stress from time to time, but stress is a constant companion for many college students. The pressure of maintaining good grades in multiple classes while engaging in extra-curricular activities and keeping up with friends can be draining. Sometimes, it leads to anxiety, depression, or more serious consequences. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common causes of stress in college and its effect on your mental and physical health. You’ll also receive some tips for reducing and managing your stress.

This video explains why college is so stressful for many students.

Why is College So Stressful?

According to the National College Health Assessment, nearly 50% of undergraduate students reported feeling overwhelmed by their academic responsibilities. Furthermore, the National Institute of Health reports that 30% of college students experience profound depression, which is often confused with extreme stress. But what is it that makes college so stressful? Here are some of the most commonly reported causes of stress in college students:

• Living away from home for the first time
• The pressure to perform well on school work and tests
• The financial burdens of college
• The pressure to land a good job after school

Though college can be a great time to explore new things and blaze your trail, for many students, it is their first time being away from home, which can be challenging. Living in an unfamiliar environment around unfamiliar people

Students who attend community college over a traditional four-year university do so to save money or to have greater flexibility with their classes. Just because you choose a community college, however, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a true college experience. Many community colleges are starting to offer their students the same benefits that more traditional colleges offer, including study abroad opportunities. If you are a community college student considering a study abroad program, take the time to learn the pros and cons before you make your choice.

Can Community College Students Study Abroad?

Unless you’ve done some research, you may not know that studying abroad is even an option for community college students. The fact of the matter is, however, that more community college students are taking advantage of study-abroad programs than ever before. Research shows that nearly 6,000 community college students participated in study abroad programs from 2012 to 2013. That was a 12% increase from the year before, and the number continues to rise. Even though more community college students are studying abroad each year, they are still just a drop in the bucket. Regarding the total number of American students who study abroad each year, community college students only represent about 3%.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad?

Before you decide to study abroad, there are many things you need to think about. Arranging a study abroad program requires a lot of preparation, and it’s not something you should

Community college offers a wonderful alternative to traditional four-year colleges and universities in many ways. Not only are community college degrees generally much more affordable, but the programs themselves are also very flexible. Many community colleges offer online classes, which are particularly beneficial for non-traditional students, including parents and students who work full-time jobs. Keep reading to learn more about non-traditional students in community colleges and tips for success.

What is a Non-Traditional Student?

College students come in various packages, but most students fall into the same categories regarding age and lifestyle. However, there are some major differences among the student body when it comes to community colleges versus four-year colleges and universities. Community colleges tend to attract more “non-traditional” students, but what does that mean? According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), seven characteristics are commonly seen in students who qualify as “non-traditional” – here they are:

• I didn’t go to college right after graduating from high school
• Attending college part-time instead of full-time
• Working a full-time job while in school
• Being financially independent of parents and family
• Having children or other dependents
• Being a single parent
• Having a GED rather than a high school diploma

Of course, not all non-traditional students fit all these criteria, but you only need one to be grouped in this category. However, you may be surprised to learn how common non-traditional students are at the undergraduate level as a whole – it is close to 75% of all undergraduate students fall into at least

Though many people still think that community college is a lesser version of a traditional four-year university, the truth is that your education will be what you make it – it doesn’t really matter where you go to school. In the end, all that really matters is the effort you put into it and how well you take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. If you want to graduate from community college with the best chance for future success, follow these top ten tips when you start attending school.

Why Attend a Community College?

According to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), almost half of all undergraduate students in the United States attend community college. Community college appeals to a diverse range of students from recent high school graduates to adults seeking continued education. Many students enjoy the flexibility and affordability of community college as compared to traditional four-year universities, though both options come with their own set of unique challenges. Going to college, in general, is a major life event and the choices you make could influence your future success. Having the right mindset and being proactive about your community college career can help you to get the most out of your education.

This video offers reasons why you should attend community college.

Tips for New Community College Students

Though community college is very different from a traditional four-year