Multi-element lead (print)

Five college lifestyle concerns identified

By Joanna Silvestre

Lifestyle

LONG BEACH, Calif. (March 19, 2007)-----Research done through the Cal State University Library database identified some student concerns as campus housing, peer acceptance, finance, and balancing academics with family obligations, while staying active. Balanced student lifestyles require integration of these.

The magnitude of the first issue becomes apparent in situations like Indiana University’s dorm shortage. The Indiana Daily Student reported 60 students were forced to stay in temporary dormitory lounges because they could not be given rooms.

Other campuses are concerned about the acceptance of alternate lifestyles like homosexuality. One university, Notre Dame, still refuses to recognize homosexual student groups despite a two-year long campaign by activists within the student body.

The third topic, finance, is significant for students penny-pinching their way through college. Part-time jobs offer a way to help pay for tuition and side expenses. However, students cannot let work cut into their grades. University of New Brunswick student Pat Nicholson, who works part-time himself, warns you have to learn to use your time effectively. “You can have fun while you’re at work,” he said.

Balancing family with academics is another problem for student-parents whose schools lack daycares. Fortunately, for those at the University of Chicago, a family resource center provides childcare while parents attend class. Other campuses nationwide taking a cue would mean delivering similar relief for those unable to afford tuition combined with outside daycare.

The fifth topic, fighting off stress, has been recognized as a concern at Syracuse University. They’ve gone as far as to implement a free program that will teach emotional life skills that will enable them to handle college life successfully.