Going to college is an exciting and transformative experience. While college years are typically marked by academic growth, new friendships, and the excitement of discovering a sense of freedom away from home, many students also face difficult mental health challenges. For many, college life can feel stressful; the academic and financial pressures can take their toll on young people’s mental health. Additionally, students often find themselves isolated without the safe network system they have at home.
This is precisely where college apartments can become a beacon of peace for students who seek a community without wanting to sacrifice their freedom. For students who choose to live in off-campus accommodations, places such as BYU-I housing can provide a crucial space for fostering responsibility, independence, and a community feeling.
Indeed, college apartments can play a pivotal role in alleviating some significant pain points, especially related to the anxiety of starting a new and unknown chapter. However, young people will still need to navigate the complexities of mental health while at college, which is central to their academic performance and social interactions. At BYU-Idaho student apartments, we take tenants’ mental health seriously. That is precisely why we are constantly exploring how college apartment living can affect students and how we can help them prepare themselves for the upcoming challenges.
The Challenges of College Apartment Living
Life in college apartments comes with its own set of challenges. For most of the students moving into BYU-I housing, this is the first time they are away from home. As mentioned above, you may embrace your newly found freedom with excitement, but navigating life without the constant and reassuring support of your family can be difficult. There is no denying that once the initial excitement of living independently cools down, it gives way to feelings of loneliness and homesickness as students begin to miss their childhood home and the presence of their loved ones.
Additionally, an important aspect of moving into a college apartment is the apparition of household responsibilities, which may be a new and taxing experience for many. Even though many students admit they often participate in household chores at home, they are not used to having to perform those same chores every day by themselves. Cooking and cleaning typically rank on top of the most demanding and stressful tasks when students start living independently. Budgeting is also a significant burden, and many students have no prior experience of setting and sticking to a budget. All these can feel overwhelming, especially when combined with academic commitments.
After all, let’s not forget that students move into college apartments to study. The pressure to excel academically and succeed in social circles during college can lead to heightened stress and anxiety for many students. Academic deadlines for papers, exams, and even extracurricular activities can take an additional toll on their mental well-being.
Finally, college housing, such as BYU-Idaho student apartments, are shared properties where students live with roommates. This can also contribute to conflicts and heightened stress, especially when roommates have different habits and lifestyles.
For new students, the constant juggling act of responsibilities and expectations can create a challenging environment affecting their mental health.
The Benefits of Good Mental Health in College
Maintaining good mental health brings forth a multitude of benefits in any path of life. As students, good mental health can significantly enhance their college experience.
On the one hand, prioritizing their mental well-being allows students to better equip themselves with the mental tools to tackle new challenges. From building a social network to improving their academic performance, the college years can be heavy with challenges. As such, a clear and focused mind is essential to not only absorb the knowledge more effectively but also create the academic network that can support their professional career in later years.
There’s more to networking as a student than meets the eye. Most students will spend their college years fostering new interpersonal relationships. As such, being in a place where they can be emotionally balanced means they are more likely to form meaningful connections and develop a new support network. Ultimately, the sense of belonging to a social community will help alleviate the feelings of loneliness and homesickness they may experience.
Strategies for Maintaining Good Mental Health in College Apartments
At BYU-Idaho student apartments, we are constantly on the lookout for new tips to help students make the most of their college experience. Therefore, we’ve reached out to our past and current tenants and asked them which tips they used to maintain their mental health in college apartments:
- Set realistic expectations: College life is a journey filled with ups and downs. Therefore, it is important that students recognize that it is okay to experience setbacks and take time to adjust to the new chapter in their lives.
- Build a support system: The secret to good mental health is to surround yourself with positive influences, be it friends, counselors, or even roommates. You can start from scratch by participating in campus clubs and events where you can meet like-minded people. Your support system will help keep you safe during challenging times.
- Practice self-care: You can’t afford to neglect your physical and emotional well-being. Simple things such as exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and having proper nutrition will help balance college stress. Many students take advantage of the amenities available at BYU-I housing, including patio grills and ping pong.
- Make your time effectively: You will have to juggle many responsibilities and strike a balance between personal life, leisure, and academics. That is why managing your time is crucial, so you can still do everything you need for your studies and yourself without getting overwhelmed. Planners and time management apps can be a life-changer.
The Importance of Finding an Apartment Complex You Feel Happy At
Students can deny the tight correlation between their college housing and their mental health. Choosing a college apartment that aligns with your needs and preferences will impact your mental health significantly. At Sunrise Village Apartments, we are committed to providing students with a supporting and nurturing community.
Indeed, a welcoming and friendly environment can alleviate the stress associated with living away from home. When you move into BYU-I housing, you can access a range of amenities that are tailored specifically to students’ needs and experience a warm and inclusive community. With a relaxing pool table area, spacious common areas for socializing, and well-maintained living spaces, we believe the right apartment complex understands and addresses your needs in this new chapter of your life.