For most students, college and stress go hand in hand.
The results can produce everything from headaches to depression.But effective planning can help eliminate many unnecessarypressures, according to counseling psychologist SusanOrenstein.
"I wasn't prepared at all for the transition to college," shesaid. "I learned along the way and I wish I would have learnedthings sooner."
Orenstein said her college experience and those of some of herstudent patients prompted her to write, "College-Bound forSuccess," a book of advice for current and future students.
"I think college has to be one of the hardest times in life,"she said. "I see so many people who don't have some skills liketime management and organization."
Orenstein said college runs more smoothly if students come upwith an organized plan.
"The hardest thing for me is working 40 hours a week and goingto school," said Tamara Smith, senior finance major.
Smith said she finds time wherever she can and doesn't put offstudying like some students.
"Procrastination is a huge problem," Orenstein said. "A lot ofstudents have anxiety because they feel a lack of purpose."
It should be comforting for students to see that these arecommon issues and they are not alone, she said.
"One of the biggest stressors is at-risk situations thatstudents create for themselves," said Barbara Bekis, University ofMemphis educational support coordinator. "One example would be whenthey put things off until it's too late."
Bekis said students should listen to professors about what isimportant in a class, rather than judging for themselves.
"Some students believe they don't have to read for class," shesaid. "They think they just have to go to class and take notes. Ifthey did read, it would relieve some stress."
Students should also study with other people, she said.
"They feel like they have to do it by themselves," Bekis said."Working with others is a solution to stress."
Bekis said some students don't admit they need help until theirlast year of college.
"We have three times as many seniors going to the learningcenters," she said.
Many students, especially those just entering college, don'tfeel a sense of direction, said Orenstein.
"It's kind of like giving them a map to college or giving them atool," she said.
Orenstein will discuss her book at Davis-Kidd Booksellers, 387Perkins Road Extended, on Saturday, April 12.
