10 common challenges of first-year students (+ practical solutions)

Embarking on the journey of university life as a first-year university student marks a monumental transition. It signifies a significant leap into newfound independence amidst a myriad of challenges. While it might feel like a solitary experience, rest assured that you’re not alone; countless first-year students have faced similar challenges. Here are the ten most prevalent challenges for first-year university students, as well as proven strategies to effectively address and overcome them.

1. Overwhelm

Embarking on the journey as a first-year student entails a profound shift, bringing about substantial changes in the life you previously knew.

This transformation is not only marked by spending a majority of your time in a new environment but may also involve relocating to a different city or even studying abroad—often accompanied by the experience of living independently for the first time.

Amidst this transition, the need to become organized, handle grocery shopping, manage bills, and simultaneously navigate new tasks and responsibilities becomes apparent, all while attending classes and forging new friendships. It might sound like a lot to handle, and rightfully so.

It’s no surprise that overwhelm ranks as one of the primary challenges faced by first-year university students.

While proactive preparation before university starts can certainly ease the transition, the reality is that the initial year brings a substantial load for students. Feeling overwhelmed is a natural response to this multifaceted adjustment.

Strategies to tackle overwhelm

1. Acceptance: Recognizing that overwhelm is a natural response to a significant life change is the first step in managing this challenging period. Embrace your feelings as valid and avoid dismissing them; acknowledging their presence is crucial. Taking short breaks, practicing deep breaths, and intentionally calming yourself down contribute to a more centered mindset.
2. Getting organized: Discover an organizational system tailored to your preferences to ease the burden on your mind. Experiment with writing down all your tasks; once on paper, the sense of relief from not worrying about forgetting anything is palpable. Consider further categorizing items based on urgency or importance. Whether it’s utilizing apps, embracing visual aids, maintaining a diary, or relying on calendar apps, explore diverse approaches to identify what resonates best with your personal style.
3. Embrace a one-day-at-a-time approach: Understand that it’s entirely normal not to resolve everything in a single day. Be realistic about your capabilities, and with time, the overwhelming aspects of your new life will gradually subside. Focus on prioritizing daily tasks, allocating time for both physical and mental well-being. Learning to relax in the evening, even with a full to-do list, becomes a valuable gift to yourself early in your academic journey.

2. Social jetlag

The first weeks at a new university or program are typically packed with social engagements: orientation week, involvement in clubs and associations, post-class gatherings, and spending time with new roommates, among others.

Despite the potential for these activities to alleviate the initial sense of isolation, it doesn’t take much time before the onset of social jetlag.

Social jetlag manifests as irritation and a yearning for some solitary moments, often accompanied by a disruption in your sleep patterns due to the busyness of these activities encroaching upon your established sleep schedule. The tipping point, where the strain becomes too much to bear, is inevitable.

While venturing out and socializing can be enjoyable, especially in the beginning, individuals, especially introverts, may find it challenging to sustain this level of engagement over an extended period. The need to retreat and recharge becomes crucial. Whether you identify as an introvert or extrovert, the shared experience of grappling with social jetlag is a common challenge when embarking on the university journey.

Strategies to tackle social jetlag

1. Overcoming the fear of missing out (FOMO): Dedicate a thoughtful moment to reflect on your current friendships, reassuring yourself that skipping one or two activities won’t make you an outsider. On the contrary, taking a break and joining social gatherings when well-rested can make you more sociable and enjoyable to be around.
2. Organize a night-in experience: If concerns about losing connections linger, consider taking the reins and organizing an alternative social event. Rather than venturing out to a bar or club, host a movie night with your flatmates or a small group you’ve met. The simple act of getting comfortable, munching on popcorn, and enjoying a movie can be rejuvenating. You’re still engaging socially, but in a less draining and exhausting manner.
3. Temporarily disconnect from social media: Recognize that social media can significantly contribute to the FOMO sensation. Therefore, if you decide to forgo an activity or opt for a night in, resist the urge to scroll through social media. Doing so can intensify feelings of missing out. Instead, immerse yourself in music, watch a movie without distractions, or delve into a good book. Tomorrow brings new opportunities for social interactions.

3. Self-discipline

You’re well aware that there’s a 9 AM class tomorrow, but you find yourself arriving home late. The rationalization kicks in – attendance in the morning lecture isn’t strictly enforced anyway. Deep down, you acknowledge that attending would be the wiser choice, but the challenge lies in lacking the self-discipline to follow through. Sound familiar?

Upon entering university, the newfound freedom is coupled with increased responsibility, much of which hinges on self-discipline. This skill can be elusive, especially when the myriad demands of university life seem overwhelming.

While cultivating self-discipline proves to be an uphill battle for many first-year students, it’s an important skill to develop:

Self-discipline as the capacity to push yourself, even when not entirely in the mood, is a superpower for academic success.

This entails rising promptly, engaging in consistent study habits rather than resorting to last-minute cramming. In essence, self-discipline entails embracing delayed gratification – putting in the hard work now to attain goals and evolve into a better version of oneself in the future.

Strategies to increase self-discipline

1. Remove friction points: Removing friction points means making hard things as easy as possible for yourself, so that you give yourself as little reasons not to do something as possible. For instance, if you don’t like getting up in the morning, but you need to be in class at 9am: Pack your bag the night before, lay out the clothing you will wear upon waking up and prepare a to-go breakfast to grab. In that way, the chance that you get frustrated and drop the plan of showing up at university in the morning decreases substantially.
2. Envision your goals: Mastering self-discipline becomes significantly more attainable when you connect with the “why.” What’s driving your journey through university? Whether it’s a lifelong aspiration of becoming a journalist, a veterinarian, or the desire to enjoy the linguistic benefits while traveling, or even gearing up for a marathon with a focus on nourishing your body — clarifying your motivations, perhaps by displaying a daily reminder through a printed picture, works wonders in the realm of self-discipline.
3. Start small: Self-discipline is akin to a muscle demanding training. It’s unrealistic to anticipate perfection from the outset. They say that forging new habits typically requires a minimum of 30 days before they start feeling more innate. While we may all harbor visions of an ideal self, setting overly high expectations can breed frustration, potentially leading to a complete abandonment of self-discipline. Hence, initiating small changes and gradually building new habits is the best approach.

4. Homesickness

Homesickness is something that most first-year university students experience but that only very few openly admit. However, there is no shame in feeling homesick.

Homesickness can be that you miss your family, your friends or simply your old life and rhtyhm of daily activities. In times of major change, it makes sense to feel homesick.

Usually, homesickness lessens over time, as you will get used to your new environment, make new friends etcetera. However, in the meantime it simply sucks. Luckily, with some proactive strategies we can ease homesickness.

Strategies to tackle homesickness

1. Seek support openly: Share your feelings and seek assistance from family and friends. Consider establishing a routine, such as a brief nightly phone call with your parents or friends, to connect and exchange updates. This infusion of familiarity into your daily life can serve as a source of encouragement. Remember, there’s no need for shame; those who care about you will offer immense support.
2. Plan home visits in advance: Mitigate homesickness by proactively scheduling visits home. Knowing when you’ll reunite with loved ones can make the emotional distance more bearable. Mark these dates in your calendar, turning two weeks into a foreseeable and manageable span. Concrete plans help bridge the gap.
3. Participate in social interactions: While no one can replace your family or long-time friends, particularly during intense bouts of homesickness, prioritize involvement in social activities over isolating yourself. Consider joining a sports club or an association. Spending time around people, even if they’re not yet friends, can provide a temporary reprieve from loneliness.

5. Study motivation

With so many new and exciting things going on when you start university, it can be extremely challenging to sit down and study, especially for first-year university students. Therefore, it is no surprise that the lack of study motivation is a common challenge.

Fortunately, there are many ways to get motivated to study.

Strategies to increase study motivation

1. Create and adhere to a plan: Crafting a detailed plan and systematically checking off tasks on your to-do list can be incredibly gratifying. This process triggers the release of dopamine in your brain, fostering a sense of accomplishment and reward. To optimize this strategy, break down tasks into manageable chunks, ensuring they are realistically achievable.
2. Collaborate in study groups: The collective dynamic of studying in a group enhances the learning experience. Observing others immersed in their work can serve as motivation for your own focus. Environments like libraries, characterized by quiet concentration and a multitude of studious peers, create a sense of belonging to a larger academic community, providing valuable encouragement.
3. Infuse gamification into your study routine: Transform your study sessions into a game by establishing a personalized system. Introduce small rewards tied to your study achievements. For instance, a focused 90-minute session could earn you your favorite cappuccino at the local coffee spot. Achieving a study streak of 45 minutes every night for a week might warrant a well-deserved reward like indulging in your favorite movie.

You may also like: 37 creative ways to get motivation to study

6. Study skills

Studying extends beyond mere motivation; possessing the requisite skills is equally crucial. Contemplate the intricacies of organizing your notes, devising effective methods to review content from past lectures, and mastering the art of comprehending academic texts.

For first-year university students, honing study skills presents a pervasive challenge. Despite harboring motivation, many find themselves at a loss when it comes to efficient study practices.

If the study material feels overwhelming and you find yourself uncertain about the best approach, recognize that you’re not alone in this challenge. Take solace in the fact that you have the capacity to cultivate more effective study skills.

Strategies to improve study skills

1. Explore diverse study strategies: Broaden your horizons by delving into various study techniques, such as the Pomodoro® technique, which involves breaking study sessions into 25-minute intervals with interspersed short and long breaks. This method is reputed for enhancing concentration and efficiency, but it’s just one of many effective strategies available.
2. Tap into university resources: Leverage the offerings provided by your university, including seminars and workshops focused on diverse aspects of studying. While it may require a time investment, the potential payoff is significant. Discovering a new study strategy through these resources can markedly enhance your study skills.
3. Engage with your peers: Initiate conversations with your fellow students to gain insights into their exam preparation methods, study session structures, and note-taking approaches. In turn, share your own strategies. This exchange of ideas can be not only informative but also inspiring, possibly leading you to discover novel techniques worth experimenting with in your own study routine.

7. Time management

The myriad activities and responsibilities confronting first-year university students often present a formidable challenge: fitting everything into the confines of a mere 24 hours.

The struggle to encompass the diverse demands within this limited timeframe is undeniably daunting.

Interestingly, university time management involves more than just scheduling essential tasks like classes and study sessions; it encompasses safeguarding moments for rejuvenation as well.

A beneficial practice involves proactively scheduling regular breaks and decompression time. While it may seem counterintuitive, the long-term impact becomes apparent as this approach enhances effectiveness in activities like study sessions. Moreover, it is an indispensable element for maintaining sustainable time management practices.

Strategies to improve time management

1. Maintain a realistic outlook: Avoid overestimating your capabilities by allocating only a few minutes for tasks that may realistically require an hour or more. Setting overly ambitious expectations can lead to constant frustration and discouragement, undermining the purpose of your schedule. Remember, your schedule is meant to assist you, not overwhelm you.
2. Explore various approaches: Discovering the most effective organizational method for yourself might take some experimentation. While some find success with calendar apps, others prefer traditional paper agendas or timelines. Personally, I opt for a large printed calendar on my wall for a comprehensive two-month overview, complemented by computer-based notes and calendar apps for more detailed tasks and to-do lists.
3. Prioritize breaks and leisure time: It’s effortless to become engrossed in university commitments, especially with impending deadlines. However, integrating regular breaks and allocating time for personal hobbies, socializing, or seeing friends isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for maintaining your well-being and effectively navigating university life. Scheduling these moments in advance acts as a safeguard, ensuring they are preserved amid a hectic schedule.

8. Stress

Stress manifests in diverse ways, exacting both mental and physical tolls. Whether it’s the restless nights or the accelerated heartbeat, the sensation of being overwhelmed and incapable can take various forms.

The genesis of stress lies in an excess of demands or expectations, frequently self-imposed.

Undoubtedly, stress ranks among the most pervasive challenges faced by both university students and staff alike.

Regrettably, I often find myself disillusioned with the online advice proffered for addressing stress. In our quest for a rapid solution, we yearn for a quick fix.

Alas, stress doesn’t conform to such expediency; its resolution hinges on our mindset, confidence, and ingrained habits, rendering it a nuanced challenge to overcome.

Strategies to tackle stress

1. Prioritize sleep: A rejuvenating 8-hour slumber has a transformative effect, casting a more positive light on the world and fortifying your resilience against the onslaught of demands, emotional upheavals, and mental strain. If stress becomes a barrier to a good night’s sleep, integrate physical activity into your daily routine and avoid napping at all costs. Fatigue at night is essential for ensuring restful sleep.
2. Embrace mindfulness: Inhale deeply, learn to disconnect, and perhaps venture into meditation apps like Headspace—initially daunting, yet incredibly beneficial. Scientific evidence underscores the stress-alleviating benefits of mindfulness. Given my audience, predominantly university students, relying on scientific evidence serves as a persuasive argument for the efficacy of such practices.
3. Simplify and streamline: In times of heightened stress, simplifying your life proves challenging but immensely beneficial. Consider temporarily shelving certain activities. For instance, you might pause one extracurricular commitment during the exam period or even defer a class to the following year if the load becomes overwhelming. Nothing takes precedence over your physical and mental well-being.

9. Insecurity

Experiencing insecurity is an entirely common phenomenon among first-year students.

So, if you find yourself caught up in concerns about your words, behavior, upcoming presentations, or looming exams, rest assured that you’re far from alone in these feelings.

At its core, insecurity signifies a lack of confidence, whether it pertains to your ability to tackle specific tasks or the fear that others may not appreciate you.

Recognizing that these sentiments are shared by a multitude of your peers can provide a comforting perspective as you navigate the intricate landscape of your first year.

Strategies to combat insecurities

1. Define the roots of your insecurities: Wrestling with feelings of insecurity can be overwhelming, as they often pervade every aspect of our being. To confront this, take a moment to sit down and meticulously identify the source of your insecurity. Is it rooted in social interactions or perhaps a fear of public speaking? Pinpointing the specific nature of your insecurity lays the groundwork for developing a targeted plan to address it, such as practicing and honing relevant skills (such as public speaking).
2. Distinguish your self-worth from academic achievements: If insecurity is an ongoing struggle, actively work on disentangling your self-worth from academic outcomes. For instance, grant yourself permission to fail an exam without internalizing it as a reflection of your character. Acknowledge that you possess myriad qualities beyond the academic realm—be it as a loyal friend, a devoted son or daughter, an accomplished runner, a skilled chess-player, or any other facet of your multifaceted self. These qualities serve as wellsprings of confidence, reminding you that a stumble in one domain doesn’t define your entire being.
3. Embrace the discomfort of insecurity: Cultivating acceptance for your feelings of insecurity is a transformative step towards building confidence and overcoming these emotions. Remind yourself that grappling with insecurity is a shared human experience, and everyone, behind their external facade, contends with their own set of insecurities.

10. Unhealthy lifestyle

Navigating through a party with a bit too much to drink, a mere five hours of sleep, an excess of coffee, and a hastily devoured unhealthy breakfast on the go, followed by a class and the inevitable all-nighter—such a routine all too easily becomes the norm for first-year university students.

Falling into the trap of an unhealthy lifestyle is practically a rite of passage, making it imperative to adopt an active strategy and prioritize its mitigation.

Confronting this pervasive trend demands more than a mere wish for change; it necessitates a proactive commitment.

As with any transformative strategy, the key lies not in expecting immediate perfection but in embracing the practice of identifying small, attainable steps in the right direction. The gradual introduction of these steps, one after another, becomes the cornerstone of fostering a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle amidst the challenges of university life.

Strategies to tackle an unhealthy lifestyle

1. Prioritize sufficient sleep: While achieving a consistent 8-9 hours of sleep might be impractical at times, strive to allocate ample time on average for adequate rest. The impact on your health is substantial, making it a vital consideration. It can even help you with thesis writing!
2. Incorporate daily physical activity: No need to set the alarm for a 4 am gym session before class—I’m not that ambitious either. Instead, adopt a strategic approach. Opt for a brisk walk instead of a two-stop metro ride, disembark one bus stop earlier on your way home, or integrate stretching into every hour behind the computer. Even incorporating five pushups during your teeth-brushing routine can contribute to your overall physical activity.
3. Embrace a veggie-rich diet: Despite sounding a bit like your mum, it’s crucial to recognize that food serves as the fuel for your body and significantly impacts your energy levels. Prioritize a somewhat healthy diet. Consider dedicating just 30 minutes on a Sunday for meal prepping a nutritious breakfast. This small investment of time not only saves you precious minutes every morning but also guarantees a daily intake of healthy food.