Managing Student Stress: We’re Here for You

New teachers, new friends, and new-found independence. That relatively brief time of life called “college” is both impactful and memorable. Lifelong bonds are formed and career paths forged.

For many students, the start of the academic year is as stressful as it is exciting, and the pressure doesn’t end once the semester settles in. Social life, midterm exams, managing finances, or even a lost cell phone can send a student into meltdown mode.

Take comfort: There are programs and services on campus to help with the challenges of college life. After taking advantage of these options, frantic messages home should be less frequent, a sure sign that he or she is engaged in the Humboldt experience.

For academic success, all incoming freshman can participate in the Retention through Academic Mentoring Program (RAMP), which offers general mentoring, events, and collaboration with other units on campus. The school’s Learning Center also offers a variety of services, including supplemental instruction, 1-on-1 tutoring, a writing center, math lab, and even time management assistance.

Multiple opportunities to engage socially are available through the Clubs & Activities office. At last count, there are 191 clubs, from archery to tango. They offer an instant connection to other students with similar interests.

Offering a home away from home, HSU’s Multicultural Center fosters a community approach to diversity with opportunities for leadership development, social justice advocacy, identity exploration and cross-cultural learning experiences. Students can visit the center located on the south side of the Library.

Sharing feelings and concerns with others experiencing the same can be beneficial. Support and wellness groups, activities, and workshops are available for addressing, healthy relationships, grief and loss, life skills, and others. Students can even suggest forming a group specific to their own needs.

Mood problems, eating issues, substance use, and anxiety can affect anyone at any age, and Humboldt State’s Counseling & Psychological Services can help.
Counseling & Psychological Services Website

More helpful resources can be found at the following links:

• Homesickness
• Health Center

Homecoming & Family Weekend

Homecoming & Family Weekend is the perfect time for a Humboldt trip, so mark your calendar for October 8 – 11. It's packed with special events and activities for the whole family. See the entire schedule here.

Student Send-Offs

Before embarking upon their journey to Humboldt, more than 300 new HSU students enjoyed Send-Off parties hosted by Forever Humboldt. Thanks to our many volunteers: HSU parent J.B. Williams and HSU alumni Susan Aksu (‘12 Journalism, Broadcast News) and Charles Acosta (’85, Biology) in Los Angeles, Dawn Ohlendorf (’96 Physics and Physical Science) in San Diego, Carly Rae Huston (‘96 Social Science) in Sacramento, and Jacob Horn (‘12 Journalism, Broadcast News) in Oakland. A special guest in Sacramento was Humboldt Advancement Board member Laura Fisher (84' Geology). Chatting with the alumni, the new Lumberjacks gained valuable information on local traditions and annual events, and also enjoyed stories of the former Jacks’ experiences. Photos are on Forever Humboldt Facebook page.