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A recent US study found that over 36% of all college students said that stress is the main reason why their academic performance suffers. A further 30% said they suffer from anxiety over grades and feedback from teachers. Almost two-thirds said they felt that the pressure to get good grades was something that weighed on them significantly.
There is no doubt that attending college is a stressful time. Covering tuition and the cost of living, balancing studies with work and socializing, and adjusting to a new and challenging chapter, it’s not hard to see why some struggle. With anxiety and stress over grades leading the way in terms of impact on academic results, students are being encouraged to look to various methods and support systems to help them reach their goals. There is no shame in asking for help and there are a number of ways it can be given, depending on the individual needs of the student.
Different kinds of help available
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One of the most effective ways to alleviate school-related stress is to reach out to your fellow students. Creating a study group is a great way of sharing the burden. In a group of your peers, you can discuss issues and problems, share ideas, and help each other out without the pressure of being in a large auditorium or having your lecturer secretly judging you!
If conducting in-person study groups isn’t your thing, why not set up an online equivalent? You can use social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Zoom to create course-specific dialogues amongst your classmates. You can ask questions, share resources, and chat amongst yourselves while benefiting from a support system.
Another great way to decrease academic stress is by working with a private tutor in the areas you most need help. These tutors can be found online and worked with at a time that suits your schedule. For example, if you are looking for maths support and assistance, you can filter results by topic and look for those that have specific experience in your niche. You can also conduct a few short chats with potential tutors to find the one that best suits your personality.
Your other option is to approach your tutors and discuss the level of stress you are experiencing with them. Perhaps they can offer other solutions or provide you with additional assistance to help you with your learning experience.
Dispelling the stigma
The most important thing to remember is not to suffer on your own. It is common and perfectly normal to experience stress and doubt over your studies. It is also acceptable to ask for help and to say you are struggling and there is no shame in doing so. There is no shame in admitting this and reaching out for help will not only make you less stressed, but it will help you achieve your academic goals.
Whether you decide to get a private tutor, set up a study and support group, reach out to your academic staff, or a combination of them all, it’s preferable to suffering in silence.
