Making the transition to higher education is a stressful event for students, who face several significant changes in their lives, all at once. Standing up to the academic rigors of university presents a worthy challenge in itself, but students confront a wide variety of personal issues as they pursue advanced credentials.

For many, moving to campus life is their first experience away from home, presenting an unfamiliar lifestyle, requiring adjustments. The social scene also weighs heavily on students, who face previously unseen pressures within heavily populated university environments.

Fortunately, students find comfort in the fact that many have come before them, successfully navigating the waters of higher education. While each situation carries its own unique set of requirements, university students find success following the blueprint provided by those who’ve managed similar circumstance – and prevailed. Successful university students use the following tips to lower stress on campus and accomplish their educational goals.

Stay Healthy
University presents a number of changes in the way most students live, so hanging on to consistent good health requires a proactive approach. Sleep, for example, quickly becomes a low priority for university students who find other distractions to occupy their time. Getting enough sleep and maintaining a reasonable schedule are essential to long-term stress-management at school.

Sticking to a healthy diet also supports students’ academic efforts, which can be weighed down by unhealthy eating and drinking. Dining on campus, for example, requires students to exercise restraint at the all you can eat cafeterias present on some campuses. Gaining weight or feeling unhealthy about your diet adds stress to an already overwhelming situation for some students.

Exercise is another beneficial pursuit for students, who stay fit to stay focused. Most degree requirements include physical fitness or recreation courses, so sometimes exercise also earns university credit.

Manage your Time
If there is one thing present in abundance on university campuses; it’s distraction. Everywhere students turn, there are additional enticements luring them away from their primary academic missions. Sticking to priorities is the best approach to university time management, keeping things in perspective for students struggling to account for their responsibilities. On the other hand, when diligence wanes, students quickly become stressed out about completing assignments and performing at a high level.
Socialize Productively

Too many university pastimes influence productivity in negative ways. Partying and excessive drinking, for example, slow students down as they pursue academic credentials, so it pays to turn these habits around. Studying with mates or forming social/study groups takes some of the drudgery out of meeting school responsibilities, by adding a social element to the process. Students are frequently grappling with the same issues during university, so working through them together is an added value of meeting regularly with study partners.

Use Campus Resources
As stress builds for students of higher education, many become overwhelmed, feeling as though they are the first ones ever to be intimidated by campus life. On the contrary, school administrators are well-versed about the anxiety issues students experience during university. As a result, schools are set-up to assist those struggling with particular features of university life. Career services, academic assistance and other forms of campus counseling serve to lower stress and anxiety among students, as they realize they are not alone.

Breaks Refresh Perspectives
The rigorous pace of higher education is effectively mitigated by breaks students take. Whether they are extended leaves built-in to the university calendar, or simple weekend getaways designed to clear the slate, time away from school helps students manage stress. Even without leaving campus, students benefit from breaks that separate them from the daily stress of their academic schedules. Walks, bike rides, and other distractions work wonders for restoring mental clarity.

Stress is a natural part of university life, so successful students find ways to keep their anxiety levels low. Exercise and general good health support productivity and help students manage commitments efficiently. And while social release is an important stress-reliever, effective students take a positive approach to good times, rather than falling prey to bad habits.

Author Bio:
This is a guest post by Sarah Brooks from Freepeoplesearch.org, She is a Houston based freelance writer and blogger. Questions and comments can be sent to [email protected].