After wrapping up the first semester and enjoying a long holiday break, students are once again feeling the pressure of college life. For many students, the first year of college is a big step. Moving into your own home, learning how to be an independent person and balancing schoolwork, jobs and a growing social life is a challenge for anyone.

One first-year Broadcast Journalism student said that she enjoyed the first semester of her program. The only problems that she's had to face are financial issues and adjusting to a new schedule. Between paying for tuition, equipment and residence costs from her own pocket, the student said she has been having some difficulties keeping up a stable situation.

Carlie Ann Clendenning, firstyear Science Laboratory Technology student, said that her program is much more difficult than she expected. Her biggest difficulty with the program is paying attention to the lessons and taking the time to do the schoolwork.

Travis Rosborough, who recently finished the 15-week Emergency Telecommunications program, said that college was interesting "because I got to meet people, not just from Canada but around the world." He said he didn't have any issues with adjusting to college life and found that interacting with new and different people made daily life at school exciting.

It is common to feel the stress and pressure of a new lifestyle, but there are people and services to help students adjust. For many students, the first semester has ended and the second one is just starting, while other students may have just finished their first few days at Fanshawe; now is the perfect time to start fresh new study habits.

Keeping a day planner and a budget of some sort are tools that will help even the most cluttered students stay organized. Planning out time to spend on studying and finishing schoolwork can help leave time open for your social life or part-time job. A budget (even a simple one) will help you stay more relaxed about your financial situation.

Don't let piles of work discourage you. Start a study group to help tackle large workloads. If you're having difficulty paying attention in class, address whatever issue is distracting you. Ask your professors and friends about methods of staying focused in class.

Make time to spend with your friends or doing something that helps keep you relaxed during a busy week and find ways to balance that social time with schoolwork. Don't let your social life keep you from finishing assignments — this will only create more stress — but don't let schoolwork keep you from having some fun, either.

For some students, starting a new semester may be a little nerve-wracking, but after finishing up the first half of their year, most feel ready and confident that this semester will go smoothly. Counselling and Accessibility Services on campus offers peer tutoring programs and counselling services for students who are feeling particularly overwhelmed.

Visit room F2010 or www.fanshawec.ca/counselling for more information.