The transition from youth to adulthood
The developmental goal associated with adolescence and student life is about independence. As newborn babies, we are completely dependent on our caregivers. Throughout our lives, we move from such total dependence gradually towards independence and a high degree of autonomy as adults. This development occurs naturally and almost automatically. However, we rely on support, care, and security from our parents or other caregivers to achieve a healthy and positive development. We are social beings, and we need others throughout our lives.
Most students belong to the young adult age group. They are transitioning from youth to full adulthood, moving from relatively uncommitted to highly committed. They often feel uncertain and anxious about finding their place in life. They seek stable relationships with others while fearing loneliness and rejection. Repressed anxiety and insecurity from past crises and upheavals can now be reactivated and become an additional burden. Fortunately, everything usually turns out well, even if it rarely goes exactly as we had planned.
Academic challenges
Until now in the school situation, many have found theoretical subjects easy, but at university and college, it is no longer a given to be among the top students. Most have to accept being part of the large majority of ordinary, capable students. It can become a new and difficult competitive situation that fuels stress and performance anxiety. Setting personal goals and figuring out career opportunities is a demanding task.
Relationships with other students
As a student, one comes to universities and colleges from different geographical locations and social environments. Some from Norwegian cities, some from other countries. Many lose daily contact with their hometown and enter an environment where, in many ways, they start anew; socially and academically. Many experience loneliness in student life. As a new student, one must build a new support system or social network to replace what has been left behind. Good relationships are important, but not everyone finds it easy to establish them in a new place.
Relationships with parents/those at home
Young adulthood can be a difficult period when it comes to relationships with parents and family. The transition from the original child-adult relationship to an adult-adult relationship offers freedom but can also create conflicts. If natural independence and liberation have stalled and lingered in ties and dependency, student status and student life will accelerate the development. It can be painful for parents if they do not realize that they now need to let go. Young people who have not learned to stand securely on their own may be confronted with the necessity of making independent choices and managing on their own. One must manage one's own finances, make academic choices. This responsibility for one's own life can feel overwhelming. Problems can arise if parents criticize new lifestyles and interests and expect adult children to be accountable for achievements and grades.
Many students carry guilt because they feel their parents need them at home, while others are worried about their parents' health, finances, and relationships. Sometimes the caregiving roles are reversed, and parents use their children for comfort and as confidants. Many students have shared how heavy this can feel and how helpless they can feel when trying to sort out their parents' lives. In such situations, the immediate surroundings do not provide support. Parents forget that students have more than enough with their studies and challenges in their own lives.
A truly unique time: with uncertainty and opportunities for development
The study period is a time of great changes on many levels and in many arenas. Thus, the study period can be described as a natural developmental crisis; everything that has been familiar in life until now, such as residence, friends, finances, and relationships with those at home, changes, and one does not quite recognize oneself in this new 'landscape.' In encountering new opportunities and situations, one is vulnerable. It creates stress, and we can react to all the changes, which can be felt both physically and mentally. Fortunately, for most, the crisis/reactions are only temporary until one becomes familiar with new surroundings, new people, and new aspects of oneself.
Vulnerability also entails sensitivity and receptivity, and in this way, the study period is a unique opportunity for growth and learning. The daily study life and study period not only provide academic enrichment but also have a crucial impact on self-esteem. Most students will at times feel uncertainty, both academically and socially. However, most also experience that they grow from the changes and challenges; both academically and as a person.
Ask for and accept help when needed
There is much you can do to take good care of yourself, but if you feel that the adversity becomes too heavy, you should know that help is available. Some students also face greater challenges and more difficult life experiences than we have described. However, we hope that most find something useful here. But perhaps you feel you need something more?
The developmental goal for the study period is, as previously mentioned, 'to manage on one's own,' but that does not meannotthat one should manage alone. Managing on one's own also means collaborating with others and daring to ask for help.Here we have compiled a list of various support services.There are many who can help you, andSiS Healthalso wants to be here for you as a student.
We are here for you if needed, and we wish you good luck with your studies and student life!