University is often referred to as the most beautiful period of life. However, for many students, the first months of study mean more of a clash with financial worries, pressure to perform, and growing demands for their own future. Why is the transition to university so challenging for many young people, and what do research studies say about it?
"Enjoy it; college is the best time of your life. After that, only work and responsibilities await you.You know that saying from family celebrations? For many of today's university students, however, it sounds more like a distant idea than a reality. That's because starting university doesn't just mean attending lectures, evenings with friends, and intense studying during exam periods.
Instead of the familiar environment of a high school classroom, you find yourself in an anonymous lecture hall full of strangers. No one reminds you of deadlines, no one checks attendance, and all responsibility for your studies suddenly rests on you.
In addition to academic pressure, financial concerns are quickly added. Rising costs of housing, food, and everyday life mean that part-time jobs or casual work are no longer a way for most students to earn money for vacation, but necessityToday's college student so often balances between their schedule, deadlines, and work shifts.
Pressure to perform and feelings of failure
Why do beginning college students often feel like they are failing, even though they are giving their all? The answer is simple – Pressure is coming from several sides at once.
In high school, you might have been one of the top students. But at university, you suddenly find yourself sitting next to hundreds of equally talented people. It's easy, therefore, to be overcome by imposter syndrome - an irrational feeling that you only passed the entrance exams by chance and that it will soon become apparent that you don't actually belong at the school.
Then economic reality sets in. Housing and food costs are rising For a large portion of students, working while studying is a matter of survival. It's not just about figuring out when to study, but also what to pay for dorms or rent.
Today, a diploma alone is often not enough. Increasingly, students are expected to gain professional experience through internships during their studies, often unpaid. The result is a combination of studies, professional practice, and at the same time, paid part-time work to cover basic living expenses.
In addition, there are other expectations – going on Erasmus, building your network on LinkedIn, or developing your personal brand.
What does research say
If you feel you can't keep up with this pace, it doesn't mean you lack discipline or are incapable. On the contrary, research shows that a large portion of students experience similar feelings.
Be kind to yourselves. Your worth is not determined by grades or your resume.
According to the survey Eurostudent The Czech Republic is among the countries with the highest proportion of working students in Europe. More than 90 % students work while in school Of these, 68 % say they work primarily to cover their basic living expenses. Half of the students even admit that they could not afford to study without a job.
Data on mental health are also alarming. A cross-sectional study of the mental health of university students in the Czech Republic found that More than half of the students show symptoms of moderate to severe depressionSignificant risk of suicidal behavior was identified in almost half of the respondents.
Psychologist Thomas Curran, Ph.D.., while also pointing to the growing phenomenon of so-called socially prescribed perfectionism - the belief that our surroundings expect absolute perfection from us, and that only a perfect performance will ensure our acceptance and recognition.
Another problem is multitasking. You're sitting in a lecture, replying to messages, and simultaneously skimming study materials. According to American Psychological Association However, the human brain cannot perform multiple demanding tasks simultaneously. In reality, it merely rapidly switches between them. This switching can reduce productivity by up to 40 % and at the same time increases stress hormone levels.
When sleep is lacking
The most common reaction to overload is sleep deprivation. However, this only deepens the whole problem.
Analyses of college students’ sleep habits show that more than 60 % students regularly sleep less than the recommended seven hours a day. Students who also work or suffer from anxiety are at a significantly higher risk of developing chronic insomnia.
Furthermore, research in sleep medicine suggests that when sleep lasts less than seven hours, the amygdala—the brain’s emotional center—becomes up to 60 % more reactive. That’s why an unpleasant email or a critical comment from a teacher can affect you much more strongly than it would after a good night’s rest.
If we summarize all these findings, today's university students often struggle with a combination pressure for perfection, financial worries, work overload, and chronic lack of sleep.
How to get out of this vicious cycle?
Although the above data does not look optimistic, it is important to start addressing the situation before burnout fully sets in.
Be kind to yourselves. If you're working twenty hours a week to afford your studies, you can't expect the same results as someone whose expenses are entirely covered by their parents. It's not a failure to sometimes settle for a lower grade in exchange for enough sleep and rest.
Your worth is not determined by grades or your resume. The fact that you're not currently starting a business and instead are stocking shelves or serving at a cafe in the evenings doesn't mean you're falling behind others. It's okay to have weekends where you simply rest.
And if you feel it's too much, Ask for helpWhether you turn to friends, family, or a professional, you don't have to face everything alone. Most universities today also offer free psychological counseling services to students.
College years can be enriching and inspiring. But it's time to let go of the idea that they must also be carefree and perfect. As available data shows, Exhaustion is not a sign of weakness and you are definitely not alone..
Allow yourself to rest. Be kind to yourself. And remember that no exam, credit, or career milestone is more important than your health.
