The freshman year learning curve includes sorting laundry and curing the common hangover, but more academic issues have taken a stronghold in the collective freshman mind, especially with midterms at hand.
Picking a major with ample job opportunities, as well as getting into grad school, is emphasized to college freshmen today.
"There is so much more pressure for freshmen to plan for their future since the economy has gone in the tank," said John Updegraff, adviser for the College of Liberal Arts.
Allie Cate Presson, freshman in pre-nursing, said she is most stressed about being accepted to Auburn's nursing school.
"I know there's a huge need for nurses, so that's not what worries me," Presson said. "But Auburn's nursing program only takes, like, 50 students a semester, so your grades have to be top notch.
"I put in hours and hours of studying in the library last semester, and many of those hours didn't pay off."
Presson took advantage of the supplemental instruction sessions offered in her classes, but said she wished more of her classes provided them.
"It just stresses me out when I don't know how to study," she said.
Graeson Sloop, freshman in biomedical sciences, also said his biggest stressor has been "getting adjusted academic-wise" because he had to improve his study habits and note-taking skills.
"The first test of the semester is usually the lowest grade," said Matt Kearley, biology professor for nonscience majors who teaches more than 700 freshmen each year.
Kearley said he thinks time management is critical.
"It's hard adjusting from having someone telling you what to do all the time, and then suddenly you've got to make yourself do what you need to do," Kearley said.
He said not all of this stress is new.
"In general, freshman year is a stressful time for anyone," he said.
Updegraff said he frequently sees extra-curricular activities affecting grades.
"Students find out first how to commit to too much and then finally how to commit too less," Updegraff said.
Kelsey Stritzinger, freshman in exercise science, said it's stressful to find balance between her involvement in her sorority and Tiger Splashers while also keeping up with her classes.
"If I get stressed out I will just leave where I'm studying and go walk or work out," she said.
Freshmen can get assistance finding relief from stress and other issues by utilizing Student Counseling Services.
Academic responsibilities are one of the top issues they see, along with establishing independence and relationships.
Administrative assistant Darlene Smith said all students have to do is call to set up an appointment, and they'll be assisted.
Student Counseling Services is located on the second floor of the Medical Clinic.
Counselors can be reached at 334-844-5123.
Their hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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