College is a difficult time for many people. Especially if you are away from your friends and family. However, there are some ways to get through it and be happy. Your years in college are a time you will look back on throughout your life. It is your opportunity to enjoy life before joining the rat race. So, if you are having a difficult time, try these ways to enjoy the experience.
Why People Find it Difficult to Be Happy in College
When students start college, they face new challenges that can make it easy to become stressed and depressed. It is essential to realize that many students feel this way. You are not alone. Some of the things that make college more challenging are:
- Difficult courses
- Not having your friends
- High stress
- Lack of sleep
- Being away from your family
You have probably dreamed about going to college for years. However, when you get there, it might not be what you always thought it would be. You have an ever-growing list of things you have to get done.
When you start studying the field you thought you wanted to enter, you might realize it is not for you, and then you start questioning everything. Doing some things to lower your stress levels is essential during this critical time in your life.
Taking care of yourself and being in a good place emotionally will help you get the most out of your education. It will also help make the years you spend investing in your learning a lot more enjoyable.
Prepare Yourself for College
A lot of students feel overwhelmed when they start college because they are not well prepared for the experience. They lack skills that will help them be productive while they are in school. Some of the skills you need as a college student are:
- Time management skills
- Study skills
- Stress management skills
- Money management skills
- Decision-making skills
- Research skills
- Networking skills
- Communication skills
If you lack these critical skills, you can get help to develop them. Talk with a counselor at your school if you need assistance. That is why they are there.
Do Things that Make You Happy
With so much going on, it might be challenging to find time to do things you enjoy doing. However, engaging in activities that make you happy will help you be more productive when you need to focus on school.
People often get caught up in deadlines and studying and forget about their hobbies and passions. That can lead to depression and anxiety.
Listen to Music
Listening to music is a great way to elevate your mood. When you are not feeling yourself, put on your favorite song. Sing along and dance when your roommate is gone. Even a few minutes listening to music you love can turn things around and make you feel happier.
Do Art
Art helps you to feel more connected with your emotions. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment, and when you make something you love, it boosts your self-confidence. Are can take many forms. You do not have to be a master painter or proficient at sketching. If you are not very artistic, try:
- Photography
- abstract art
- Collaging
- Coloring
- Knitting
- Cartooning
- Group art
- Art classes
- Sculpting
Sometimes you have to try different forms of art before you find one that you are good at and enjoy. So, do not be afraid to try new things until you find something you like. Also, avoid being critical of what you create. Just feel good about creating something.
Watch Your Favorite Show
Watching TV is not the best way to truly facilitate happiness. However, getting into a show that you watch regularly can help to give you something to look forward to, and it can help take your mind of anything that is stressing you out for a bit. Having a friend join you might be an excellent way to enjoy this activity with other people, which can boost the benefits.
Take a Walk
Taking a walk around campus or at a local park is an excellent way to get your mind off things, too. Walking helps to reduce levels of the stress level cortisol. Cortisol depletes dopamine and serotonin two hormones that make you happy. Walking is an activity most people can do even if they are not super athletic, and you can enjoy the effects of this form of exercise without doing a strenuous workout.
Exercise
Working out is a wonderful way to feel better about yourself. It is also beneficial to fight off the weight gain many college students experience, which might be a drag on your self-confidence. Developing a habit of working out is one of the best ways to feel good about yourself.
It also helps to make you less stressed and get a better night’s sleep. Furthermore, burning off excess energy might make it easier to focus, which will help you do better in school.
Reinvent Yourself
While you are in college, you have a few years before you start your career to develop yourself as a person. If you have always wanted to try a new hairstyle, this is your opportunity to take a chance. You also can become a better version of yourself by discovering things that you enjoy doing.
Try new things, so you know what you like. You might find that something you never considered doing is something you love.
If you find that you are miserable on the academic path you choose, consider what you would rather do with your life. A lot of college students start school with one major in mind and decide they have no desire to pursue it once they start.
While you are in college, it is better to make a change than after you are in the middle of a career. Plus, it will help you get through your time at school to be studying things you enjoy.
You also have an opportunity to develop skills and pursue things you were not able to as a high school student. You can get to know yourself and what makes you tick on a deeper level. So, make sure you are making choices that are true to who you.
Don’t Let Other People Bother You
You are going to meet a ton of students, teachers, and administrators when you are in college. Each is going to have different viewpoints and opinions on things. Do not let their views upset you. That is especially true when it comes to your professors. Some will be great, and they will help you to become a better person, while others will tear you down.
Take their criticism into consideration, but do not internalize it. Just because someone has something negative to say to you or tells you, you will not succeed does not make that the truth. Professors are human, and they are not better than you. Only you can stand in your way.
A lot of people struggle with taking criticism from a problematic teacher. They let the words repeat over and over in their head. However, if you have a problem with someone, no matter who it is, just let it go. Do your best, but do not beat yourself up over what other people think.
Try as Many New Things as You Can
Trying new things is a massive part of being a college student. For the most part, everything you do is new to you. So, embrace this time to try unique foods, activities, and classes. Put yourself out there. Do things that scare you, because after you will feel great about doing something you were afraid to do before.
Your years in college are meant to develop you as a professional and give you skills you can use in your career. They are also an opportunity to provide you with life experiences that help you connect with other people. The interactions you have in school will help you be more relatable later in life, and they will help you be happier throughout your time at school.
Few people get through life and say, I wish I wouldn’t have tried that, but many people end up regretting not going after things or having experiences when they have the chance.
Give Yourself a Break
The last thing you want is to get burnt out before you finish school. When you feel overwhelmed, you need to take a break. It is a good idea to plan time just to relax.
Do Nothing
Schedule time when you do not have to do anything. Take some time to be free of obligations. Every few weeks take a day or two to do nothing. It is easy to make plans when you are not studying. However, you also need to have time when you do not have to do anything.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleeping enough when you are in college is difficult, especially if you are trying to balance school, work, family obligations, and expectations from friends. So, make sure when you are able, you turn your phone or TV off and get to sleep early.
Sleep deprivation affects your mood, and it can make everything seem more difficult. Many people feel unable to cope with stressful situations when they lack sleep. Their emotions run wild when they are sleepy.
Plus, it might be counterproductive to pull an all-nighter. Studies show that students perform better when they get enough sleep.
Take Study Breaks
You should take a short break every so often when you are studying to give your brain a break. A short 15-minute break is just right to ease your mind but not too long to make it challenging to get back to studying. You do not want to procrastinate, so avoid getting too involved with video games or watching YouTube videos.
Instead, plan your break and stick to the timeframe you set. If you find it difficult to get back to studying, set a timer. That way, you know when your time is up.
Meditate
Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and improve your outlook on things. You do not have to spend a lot of time meditating to enjoy the benefits. If you find it challenging to dedicate time during the day to meditate, you can even use guided meditations at night when you are going to sleep.
Celebrate Holidays
During the holidays, many students feel more depressed about being away from their families. So, if you are unable to go home during breaks, instead of spending time alone, go back with a friend and spend the holidays with their family. Or have a celebration in your dorm with other people who stay at school.
Exchange Christmas Gifts
College students are usually low on funds, either they are receiving support from their parents or working their way through, so there is little money for gifts. That does not mean you cannot get in the spirit by doing a white elephant gift exchange. You can either exchange items you already have or set a cap of five to ten dollars per gift.
Everyone will enjoy this fun take on giving and receiving gifts, especially if you look for funny items to give each other.
Thanksgiving
A potluck dinner is a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving when you are in college. Everyone brings a dish, and you share a collective meal. If you like to cook, this can be a great way to show off your skills and try other people’s creations. If cooking is not your thing, plan to go to dinner with a group of friends instead.
Halloween
Just because you are too old to Trick or Treat doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy Halloween when you are in college. Halloween is a favorite for college students. A lot of groups host parties, and you can always go out to a local bar or enter a costume contest.
You do not have to have a ton of money to dress up either. Most costume contest winners are not those who buy their outfit from a store. If you have a group of friends who are willing to partake, decide on group costumes you can make together.
Watching other students take off to spend the holidays away from school can be downright depressing if you are stuck on campus, but with a little planning, you can enjoy yourself too. The benefit of doing this is you will not feel so bored with school when class is back in session. Plus, you will have happy memories with new friends that will help to get you through difficult times.
Stay in Contact with Old Friends
One of the significant reasons college students get depressed is because they miss their friends. Being away at school is no reason not to stay in contact with the people who you shared a major part of your life with in the past.
Staying in contact can help you stay connected with your past life and keep your friends up to date on what is going on with you. You can also have your friends visit you. Or, plan to do something with them so that you can look forward to that.
Make New Friends
College is a great time to make new friends. Almost everyone is in a new environment and looking to meet new people. So, there are plenty of opportunities to develop friendships that will serve you throughout your adult life.
Join a Sorority or Fraternity
Sororities and fraternities are a great way to meet friends and build lasting bonds you can count on later in life. Being a member of one of these organizations helps you to feel like you are part of a family away from home. Plus, there will be opportunities to get together with your brothers or sisters frequently, and after you complete your college education.
While these groups are beneficial, it is essential to choose the correct organization, because being a member does require dedication and a financial commitment. However, studies show that the relationships you develop will serve you well during college and beyond.
Get Involved with Clubs
Clubs are a great place to meet people with common interests. These are people who like to do the same things you enjoy. So, you know you have some things in common. If you are shy, small groups where you have to interact with others might be more comfortable places to strike up a conversation.
Spend Time in Common Areas
If you are living in a dorm, spend time in the common areas. When you are in common areas, do not be afraid to strike up a conversation. The people there live in your building, so these are the people it is easiest to hang out with when you are at home.
Do not be afraid to make the first move. Most people are looking to develop new friendships, and they will likely be relieved that you spoke to them first.
Join Online Groups
Another excellent option for people who find it difficult to strike up a conversation in person is to join groups online. Years ago, Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook to help college students connect, and there are still groups on the popular social media platform.
Celebrate Your Successes
Celebrating when you succeed is extremely important anytime you are working toward a goal. When you take time to enjoy your accomplishments, it makes you happier, and it helps to encourage you to stay focused. So, find opportunities to be pleased about how far you have come.
After you complete exams or finish a challenging project, get together with your friends to enjoy some time taking in the sense of accomplishment. You can always feel happy about a job well done. It is one of the best ways to boost your happiness while you are in school and later in life, as well.
Don’t Dwell on Negative Situations
If you experience an awkward situation, do not dwell on it. College is all about learning and becoming a better person. However, it is difficult to move forward if you are stuck on something that does not go as planned.
So, during this time, let things go. Try new things when something does not work out. Regroup and refocus, so you do better next time.
Stay Single
One of the most difficult things to experience is a loss of love. So, instead of focusing on being in a relationship, make your education and having life experiences a priority. Staying single will also help you to try new things, have more time for hanging out with friends and studying, and reduce the risk of you having your heartbroken.
When you complete your degree, you will know more about what you want out of life, and you will be able to focus on making a relationship work. College is stressful, and people often move when to take jobs when they finish studying, so dedicating valuable time may or may not work out in the end.
Go Home
It might seem like a dream come true to get away from your family. Most people find that when they go away to college, they actually miss their parents and even their siblings. Missing people you love makes it very challenging to be happy.
Going home from time to time is a great way to reconnect with your family and old friends. It is also a great time to enjoy a home-cooked meal and relax. So, make regular trips back home if you can.
Plan a Trip
Planning a trip is a great way to have something to look forward to while you are focusing on studying. You can start planning a trip several months in advance, so you have something fun to think about for a while. Doing this will also help you save money so you can enjoy your recreational time.
When you travel, you can get away from obligations. Planning a trip is exciting, and as the day gets closer, you will be eager to experience new things. Some of the best places to visit when you are in college are:
- Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- Alcapulco, Mexico
- Bali, Indonesia
- Miami, Florida
- Prague, Czech Republic
You can also opt for a cruise or even go on a camping trip close to your school. Music festivals and all-inclusive resorts are also good options. No matter what your budget is, you can plan a trip that fits. Everyone should take at least one college trip, and if you can try to plan one at least once a year, so you always have a fantastic getaway to look forward to in the future.
Think About How Your Education Will Serve You
You are going to school to make your future brighter. Being a college student is not easy, especially if you do not have a reliable support system. However, if you remind yourself why you committed to going to school and of the ways your education will benefit you, things should be a lot easier.
Eat Well
Eating well helps your body to process stress, and it helps you to stay healthy. The last thing you need is to get sick during critical times when you need to focus. When you stay healthy, you are better able to concentrate and get tasks done on time.
It might be tempting to eat junk food or skip meals when you are studying, but taking the time to eat a good meal will give you the energy you need to study effectively. Having the ability to get the most out of your time is essential to your happiness.
If you spend your time studying only to get sick before a big exam because you are leading an unhealthy life, you will be overwhelmed, and that will make it difficult to be happy.
When you have little time to eat healthy try keeping snacks that are high in protein and nutrients like the following. These are things you can snack on easily while you are doing your work.
- Healthy energy bars
- Hummus
- Dark chocolate
- Fruit
- Granola
- Apple sauce
- Nuts
Decorate Your Dorm Room
Decorating your room is one of the best ways to increase your happiness. You do not have to spend a ton of money, but if you enjoy being in your space, you will feel better. If you leave your room looking like a jail cell, you will probably feel more like a prisoner. That can also make you less likely to enjoy studying.
If you avoid being in your dorm room because you hate the atmosphere, it is a lot more challenging to be successful, too. Having a comfortable place to study is essential to your overall success and mental well-being when you are away at school.
Find Great Roommates
Renting a house with a group of roommates can improve your mood when you are in college. Dorm life is not always great, and while it will take you some time to find friends, you trust. You should be able to find an off-campus house that you can share with others.
There are even apartment complexes that cater to college students with roommates. These apartments usually have individual spaces for each occupant, and some come furnished, so you do not have to worry about buying furniture and moving it after you finish school.
Final Thoughts
College is no walk in the park, but you can get through it, and you will be a better person for finishing your degree. Once you have your education, no one can ever take that away from you. So, even if you find it hard to adapt, stick with it. It is a relatively short period in your life. Furthermore, with a little effort, it will likely be one of the most memorable parts of your life.