Abstract
This essay discusses the importance of freshmen mental health as a priority in higher education policy, given the enormous challenges they face during the transition to college, such as academic pressures, social difficulties, and financial problems. These issues can lead to mental health disorders such as stress, anxiety and depression, which risk lowering their academic performance and quality of life. Based on evidence and expert views, this essay argues that mental health support, through counseling services, soft skills training, and an inclusive campus environment, can improve students' academic success and well-being. The essay concludes that educational policies that prioritize freshmen mental health will have long-term positive impacts on both individuals and society.
Introduction
Menurut Hutasuhut, D. H., Surbakti, K. U. N. A., & ... (2024). The mental health of freshmen plays an important role in determining their success in higher education. The transition from high school to college brings many changes that can be challenging, academically, socially and emotionally. At the university level, freshmen are faced with higher academic demands, more independent time management, and often heavier expectations. They also have to adapt to a new social environment, meet a wide variety of individuals, and deal with the emotional stress of these changes. If new students have good mental health, they will find it easier to focus on their studies, complete assignments well, and maintain a balance between academic and personal life. Conversely, mental health disorders such as anxiety, excessive stress, and depression can interfere with their concentration, motivation, and ability to absorb information and perform academically. The impact of these untreated mental health issues will greatly affect the continuity of their education. Therefore, prioritizing the mental health of new students should be a major concern in higher education policy to support their academic success.
In addition to impacting academic performance, poor mental health also affects the sustainability of a new student's education. Many students feel overwhelmed by the changes that come after they enter university, such as a heavier academic load, difficulty adapting to a new social environment, and financial problems that often become an additional pressure. Without the right support, these problems can lead to despair, which in turn leads to the phenomenon of dropouts, or students who decide to stop studying. Menurut Indirasari, D. T. (n.d.) this phenomenon is not only detrimental to the individual student, who loses the opportunity to develop their potential, but it also negatively impacts the educational institution, which loses the reputation and contributions of students who could have completed their education. Therefore, campuses should provide various forms of support for new students, such as counseling services, orientation programs that help them adapt to campus life, and an inclusive and supportive community. This support is essential so that students can manage the various pressures they face and can complete their education well.
More than just supporting academic achievement, attention to students' mental health also has a major impact on their overall quality of life. Mentally healthy students tend to have higher levels of happiness, more self-confidence, and are able to establish more positive social relationships with friends, lecturers, and family. They are better prepared to face challenges in the working world after graduation, and are better able to plan and pursue their life goals more effectively. Mentally healthy students are also more resilient in dealing with stress and conflicts that occur in daily life on campus. By making mental health a priority, campuses not only help students in facing academic challenges, but also prepare them to be productive individuals, have positive contributions to society, and be able to adapt well in the workforce after completing higher education. Therefore, efforts to support the mental health of new students have far-reaching long-term impacts, not only for the students themselves, but also for the social, economic development and quality of future generations (Fitroni, M. A., & Supriyanto, A. 2020).
Discussion
In this part of the discussion, we will discuss the various challenges faced by freshmen during their transition to college. The significant changes in their academic, social and emotional lives are often a source of stress that can affect their mental health. By understanding the key challenges faced by freshmen, we can more easily identify factors that risk reducing their quality of life and academic success. This discussion aims to delve deeper into the role of each challenge, as well as the impact it can have if not properly addressed. It will also discuss how appropriate strategies can help freshmen overcome these difficulties and reach their full potential in a more supportive campus environment (Alvara Research Center, 2022).
Challenges faced by new students
1. Academic Pressure
The learning system in higher education is very different compared to the system in high school. At university, new students are expected to have more independent learning skills and manage their time effectively. They must be able to meet higher academic demands, such as completing assignments within a limited time, taking more complex exams, and maintaining consistent achievement. According to Hutasushut et al. (2024), new students often feel overwhelmed by the ever-increasing task load and the increasing expectations of their lecturers and families. This academic pressure can trigger feelings of excessive stress, protracted anxiety, and even depression, as they feel unable to meet the standards that have been set. The impact of this academic pressure is not only limited to reducing students' quality of life, but can also affect their performance in various aspects of daily life.
2. Social and Cultural Adjustment
In addition to academic challenges, new students must also face changes in their social environment. They have to build a new network of friends and adjust to a campus culture that may be very different from their home environment. This can be particularly challenging for students who come from a different region or culture, as they have to adapt to a new way of life and social norms. For overseas students, this challenge is even greater, as they have to adjust to the culture of the new region while also feeling homesick for their family and home environment. This difficulty in social adaptation often leads to loneliness and isolation, which are major risk factors for mental health disorders. The inability to build positive social relationships and feel accepted within the campus environment can worsen students' mental state and affect their overall well-being.
3. Financial Problems
Apart from academic and social pressures, financial problems are one of the biggest sources of stress for new students. Especially for those who come from families with economic limitations, high tuition fees, expenses for housing, transportation, and daily needs are often a heavy burden that they have to bear. For many students, poor financial management can cause anxiety and stress, even leading to an inability to focus on their studies. According to Fitroni (2020), many new students are trapped in a consumptive and hedonistic lifestyle, which actually worsens their financial problems. Habits like these can trigger feelings of distress and contribute to increased anxiety about the future. In addition, worries about finances often interfere with students' focus on learning, as they are forced to work part-time or find other ways to make ends meet, which ultimately reduces time and energy for college.
4. Differences in Learning System
The transition from high school to university is one of the biggest challenges for new students. At school, students are usually used to structured schedules and intensive guidance from teachers. They are closely monitored and given clear directions regarding assignments and exams. However, in college, students are expected to be more independent, manage their own time, and take initiative in their studies. This difference is often a source of stress for new students, especially for those who are not ready for the change. This challenge is even greater for students who have ineffective study habits or are not used to a more active way of learning. Students who are unable to adjust to this more flexible learning system often experience difficulties in keeping up with the course material, which can lead to lower academic grades and dissatisfaction with their learning process.
