Coping with Stress and Anxiety in College Life – My Journey at Chandigarh University
By Nikhil Paul, MBA Student at Chandigarh University
The Pressure of Academics and Expectations
College life is often described as one of the most exciting phases — full of learning, independence, and self-discovery. But behind that excitement, there’s also a lot of pressure that many of us silently deal with. As an MBA student at Chandigarh University, I’ve realized that while this journey is shaping me into a better professional, it also comes with its fair share of stress and anxiety.
When I first joined my MBA program, I was filled with big dreams — to learn, grow, and secure a good placement. But soon, reality struck. The pressure of assignments, presentations, deadlines, and exams became a daily challenge. Each day brought new academic tasks, and sometimes it felt like 24 hours just weren’t enough.
There were nights when I’d sit at my desk, trying to perfect my PPT slides or complete a case study report, feeling completely exhausted. Along with academic demands came the emotional struggle of living far away from home, managing everything alone, and missing the warmth of family support. Balancing all these responsibilities made me realize how overwhelming college life can be at times.
Coping with Stress: Finding Balance in the Chaos
Over time, I learned that stress is not something we can completely avoid — but we can learn to manage it better. I started by prioritizing my tasks and setting small, realistic goals instead of trying to do everything at once.
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Taking short breaks during study sessions helped clear my mind. Sometimes I would go for a walk around the campus or listen to music to calm my thoughts. Even a simple cup of tea while watching the sunset brought me a sense of peace.
Most importantly, I began to change my mindset — instead of viewing stress as an enemy, I started seeing it as a motivator. It pushed me to stay disciplined, work harder, and focus on personal growth.
How Friends Help Through It All
In the middle of all the academic chaos, one thing that kept me going was my friends. After long, tiring days of lectures and deadlines, sitting with them and sharing laughter felt like the best therapy.
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Whether it was talking about our struggles, joking about the day’s classes, or simply eating together at the hostel canteen, those small moments made a huge difference. My friends became my stress busters — they reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this journey. Knowing that others were facing similar challenges gave me comfort and strength.
Friendship, I’ve realized, is not just about fun; it’s about emotional support. Sometimes, all it takes to feel better is a good conversation or a shared laugh with people who truly understand you.
Learning and Growing Through the Journey
Now, when I reflect on my experience, I see how these struggles have made me stronger. Stress and anxiety are a natural part of college life, especially when you’re working hard toward your future. But how we handle them defines our growth.
Through this journey, I’ve learned resilience, time management, and the importance of maintaining mental well-being. College is not just preparing me for a career — it’s teaching me valuable life lessons that go far beyond textbooks and exams.
Conclusion
College life is a blend of challenges and beautiful memories. The pressure of assignments, presentations, and being away from home can sometimes make us feel overwhelmed. But amidst all this, it’s important to pause, take care of ourselves, and cherish the moments that make this journey special.
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For me, my friends, laughter, and self-belief have been my biggest coping mechanisms. They remind me that even in the middle of stress, happiness can be found in small moments.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about getting a degree or a placement — it’s about growing as a person, learning to stay strong, and finding peace within the chaos. That’s what truly makes college life unforgettable.
