Whether this is a student’s very first semester or third semester at Old Dominion University, many students face similar challenges that have to be overcome in college. Continue reading to find out the four common challenges and how to overcome them!
- Academic Difficulties. College classes are typically more advanced than high school classes. More time may be required to learn the materials to prepare for exams and students may even have to teach themselves a bulk of the material, depending on how the course is set up. To overcome academic difficulties, students are encouraged to seek academic support services that are offered online and throughout campus. Services include: tutoring, academic coaching, peer mentoring, academic workshops, etc.
- Financial Challenges. Without a doubt, college is expensive and seemingly getting more expensive each year. Some students get their tuition paid for by their parents. However, a greater majority of students have to finance their postsecondary education themselves. This can be quite stressful. Luckily, there are resources available to lessen the financial burden. Resources include: scholarships, grants, and loans. Students are encouraged to visit ODU’s Office of Financial Aid to receive additional support in identifying available financial resources.
- Emotional & Mental Health Challenges. Believe it or not, many students experience some degree of emotional and mental health challenges while in college. This can be due to stress as a result of being homesick and not being completely comfortable with their newfound independence. It can also be due to the unfamiliar and overwhelming coursework and struggling to maintain a certain GPA. New living environments, academic difficulties, financial issues, troubling relationships or lack of supportive relationships, and so much more can factor into each student’s emotional and mental wellbeing. ODU offers counseling services to assist students in resolving stressful circumstances in their lives that can be a hindrance to their academic goals.
- Choosing the Wrong Major. Some students start their education at ODU with an undeclared major, while others may declare a major that they chose based on salary outlook, or their parents’ or friends’ recommendations. It is quite common for students to change their majors a couple of times before officially declaring a major that they are truly interested in. To quicken the process of discovering one’s best fitting major, students are encouraged to visit ODU’s Office of Career Development Services and explore their interests through hands-on experiences.
Now, students know that they are not experiencing these challenges alone and are equipped with where to locate additional support!
