TOP 6 CHALLENGES FACED BY UNDERGRADUATES

By Olatunbosun Islamiyah

"Many undergraduate students aspire to earn a degree and enhance their prospects at home and in the workplace. However, once students embark on their college journey, they often encounter formidable challenges that may seem insurmountable. These obstacles can impede some students from realizing their aspirations. Therefore, institutions of higher learning must identify and implement strategies to assist students in dealing with these challenges. When students receive the necessary support, they can better focus on their academics, increasing their chances of success.

The most prevalent types of problems students encounter relate to academics, accessibility, finances, living environments, mental health, and time management.

Financial Uncertainty:

Financial stress significantly affects a student's ability to excel both academically and socially. Most students cannot cover college expenses like meal plans, tuition, books, and materials with savings. College is a substantial financial commitment, and financial uncertainty is a common concern among students. This worry can intensify for those who must support their families while continuing their education.

The majority of college students rely on loans to finance their education and personal expenses, leading to student loan debt after graduation. Financial insecurity can also negatively impact students' mental health, potentially contributing to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Financial uncertainty is a primary reason why some students defer or drop out of school. Moreover, students who work to cover their college costs may sacrifice their academic performance, allocating time that could be spent studying to work instead. Financially stressed students may also find it more challenging to navigate relationships with their more financially secure peers, leading to feelings of embarrassment and isolation.

Students often require assistance in managing their financial responsibilities. Institutions can offer various forms of support to address challenges related to financial stress, such as allocating funds to cover textbooks or offering low-cost or no-cost options. Furthermore, making university events free or lowering ticket prices can ensure that all students can participate. Additionally, providing financial aid and support services and ensuring that student advisors and faculty communicate these services to students in need can be instrumental in addressing financial challenges.

Difficulty Managing Commitments:

Balancing various commitments can be a significant challenge for college students. Many students must work part-time or full-time jobs, attend classes, and take care of their families, making effective time management a complex task. Even traditional college students must juggle part-time jobs, internships, and extracurricular activities, including intercollegiate athletics. These responsibilities can be overwhelming for students, particularly those who have not attended college before or have been out of school for an extended period.

Many students struggle to prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and seek help when needed. The increased levels of stress and anxiety can further hinder sound decision-making, making it clear why managing commitments is one of the most common challenges faced by college students today.

Institutions must assist students in finding time management techniques that suit their individual needs. Effective time management is a critical skill for college success. Students can employ a variety of time management techniques, such as using tools like calendars and reminders, maintaining a detailed schedule, and setting alarms to ensure they wake up on time. When students feel overwhelmed, it's crucial for them to know that they can access the help they need. Student advisors and organized peers can help students create plans to balance their commitments.

Inadequate Academic Preparedness:

Many college students realize that their previous academic preparation was insufficient for the demands of college. Underprepared students may not have taken the necessary college preparatory courses or spent enough time in certain academic subjects to acquire the required knowledge.

This under-preparedness often means that these students require remedial courses to attain or regain a basic level of academic competence. The need for remedial education is a growing challenge at institutions nationwide. Many colleges and universities admit students who earned satisfactory grades in high school but struggle with fundamental academic skills, such as writing a coherent paragraph or solving algebra equations.

Academic challenges can create stress and anxiety for students and may also confound instructors. Recognizing and understanding these challenges is crucial for student service professionals. Assisting students in overcoming these hurdles can be both rewarding and demanding.

Accessibility Challenges:

Students with disabilities, accessibility needs, or learning challenges may face difficulties in managing college assignments and projects. Some may struggle to navigate physical spaces on campus. Students from various backgrounds have specific requirements and may need accommodations to complete their coursework and earn their degrees.

For example, some students with learning challenges may require access to assistive technology and software, a notetaker, or specialized tutoring services. Others with physical disabilities need easy access to campus facilities like classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and housing.

In the absence of accessible services, students may feel neglected and may even contemplate dropping out. They might also struggle to engage with the campus community if they cannot find suitable accommodations. Whether it's a sign language interpreter, extra time for testing, a sighted guide, or adaptive campus activities, making the college environment accessible can foster a welcoming atmosphere, enhance mental and physical well-being, and reduce dropout rates.

Living Environment Challenges:

For many students, living on their own for the first time can be a challenging adjustment. This situation can be more pronounced for first-generation students, who may be the first in their families to experience college life. Common living environment challenges include:

1. Bad roommates: Roommates who do not get along, have different schedules, or differing cleanliness standards.

2. Lack of privacy: Sharing a room or dormitory can lead to privacy concerns.

3. Bathrooms: Shared or communal bathrooms may pose cleaning and privacy challenges.

4. Illnesses: Dormitory living can facilitate the spread of illnesses like colds and flu.

5. Small living spaces: Limited room for movement, living, and socializing in some dorms.

6. Distractions: Students may face challenges concentrating on their homework or projects due to distractions from others.

7. Lack of sleep: Noisy roommates or adjusting to a new bed can disrupt sleep patterns.

8. Cleanliness: Managing personal cleanliness and schedules can be challenging for new students.

The challenges related to living on campus can impact students' ability to succeed and complete their studies. Each student's situation is unique, and student advisors must understand individual challenges and work with students to overcome them.

Mental Health and Wellness Issues:

Many college students grapple with mental health issues caused by academic stress, anxiety from relationships, or the pressure of earning a degree. These challenges can lead to mental turmoil and affect students' emotional well-being. Additionally, the combination of coursework, work commitments, extracurricular activities, and personal relationships can create significant emotional strain. Some students may experience fatigue, depression, or insomnia due to excessive stress.

Faculty members often serve as the first line of defense in identifying and addressing students' mental health challenges. Through their interactions with students, faculty can detect behavioral changes, such as attendance issues and missed assignments, that may indicate a student is struggling. Faculty should be trained to recognize signs of distress and know where to refer students for help.

Colleges must also find creative solutions to support students, especially when resources are limited. Instead of having students wait for weeks to see a counselor, institutions can implement a stepped approach, where students in urgent need of care receive immediate attention. Group therapy sessions can also help students connect with peers under the guidance of a counselor.

Physical health plays an important role in improving mental health. Colleges should invest in fitness facilities and sports clubs that promote physical health. Dining facilities should offer healthy meal options to support wellness.

Physical issues may also arise due to the close living quarters on campus. Given the shared living environments in dorms and the interactions with many people, it's not uncommon for students to experience colds, flu, or other temporary illnesses. While a common cold may not pose a significant challenge to students, other physical discomforts and conditions can be more difficult to manage.

For instance, physical symptoms like headaches, migraines, muscle pain and soreness, poor eating habits, or substance and alcohol misuse can result from the added stress of college life.

Recognizing and addressing these physical health issues is essential to ensure students are in the best position to succeed academically and emotionally.

In conclusion, the challenges faced by students in their university journey are diverse and can have a significant impact on their ability to succeed. It is crucial for educational institutions to understand these challenges, provide necessary support, and implement strategies to help students overcome these obstacles. Each student's experience is unique, and it is the role of student advisors and the institution as a whole to work with students individually to address their specific challenges and create an environment that promotes academic and personal growth. By offering financial support, time management strategies, academic preparedness programs, accessible services, and resources for mental and physical well-being, colleges can create an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers students to achieve their goals.