Common Pressures of College Life
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Why might suicide be the second-leading cause of death in college students?
College students face unique pressures:
- Leaving home for college is a major life transition.
- Family and friends, a student’s primary support system, are often far away.
- High academic standards of parents, professors, and peers can add additional stress.
- Economic pressure to finish a degree early to enter the job market can add to stress.
Graduate students face additional pressures:
- Financial burden of paying for more education
- Balancing family, home ownership, and other responsibilities with school
- Concerns about taking time away from a career to get an advanced degree
- Uncertainty about future job prospects, particularly among those on a research or academic track
Non-Traditional students face unique pressures:
- Entering higher education for the first time or returning after discontinuing education
- Balancing education with family, home ownership, job/career duties, and more
- Potential barriers including cost of education, transportation issues, number of course requirements, etc.
- Lack of services such as academic and financial advising that accommodate the schedules of non-traditional students
Do you or someone you know need help now?- For medical emergencies, dial 911.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255.
- For support resources for UBalt students, faculty, and staff, visit the Office of Student Support or call the Student Assistance Program at 1-800-327-2251.
