While many consider university students to be mature adults who can handle the challenges of higher education, the reality is that a significant number of them are in their late teens or early 20s, and may not be adequately equipped or resilient enough to handle the stress and pressure of university life.
University students are confronted with a plethora of challenges, including academic stress, social isolation, financial instability, and the daunting task of transitioning to adulthood. While most students demonstrate remarkable resilience – which is the ability to adapt to, and cope with, stress and adversity – and are deemed responsible for their own well-being and capable of handling university life, the challenges can take a toll on their mental health and overall well-being.
They have chosen to pursue higher education and are expected to take ownership of their academic and personal lives.
They are given a level of autonomy and independence that is not usually granted to children or teenagers, yet they are still in the developmental stage of their lives and may not have acquired the necessary skills and experience to navigate the unchartered waters of life on campus, away from their family and support system. Many students are still financially reliant on their parents, and may not have encountered complex situations like managing a budget and dealing with mental health issues.
The fact that some are still grappling with their identities, and may not have a clear sense of who they are or what they want to do in life, poses an additional hurdle.
Indeed, whether one is resilient is a multifaceted question that cannot be determined solely by age. So, while students are considered adults, it is still crucial for universities to provide resources and support that can help them build their resilience as they embark on their higher education journey.
NOOR FAZZRIENEE JZ NUN RAMLAN
Lecturer
Universiti Teknologi Mara, Seri Iskandar, Perak
