Academic and personal support strategies that work.
College is rewarding, but it can also be demanding.
At some point, almost every student feels stressed, overwhelmed or unsure of themselves. You might be struggling in a college class. You might be questioning your career direction or major.
Or maybe you’re facing challenges outside the classroom related to finances, balancing work and school, parenting and childcare, housing concerns, mental health or something happening at home.
Difficult moments and periods of self-doubt are part of the college experience for most students. Know that you are not alone—and there are many people here to help you.
Whether you’re enrolled at FRCC or another college, here are a few ways to respond and work through challenges when they arise.
Reconnect With Your “Why”
Not every college student has it all figured out from day one, but there’s a reason (or several) they started college. For some, earning a degree is a longtime goal they’ve had since childhood. For others, school is a path to a promotion, a better job or a career change.
There are personal motivations too—being the first in a family to pursue higher education or returning to college after setting it aside for a time.
When college gets challenging, revisiting these goals puts things into perspective. Write them down, keep them visible and remind yourself what you’re working toward. That can make your short-term obstacles seem less daunting.
Take Breaks to Prevent Burnout
College academics require focus and effort, but pushing yourself nonstop leads to burnout, cognitive fatigue and frustration. Build breaks into your study routine. A brief walk, stepping outside or stretching for a few minutes resets your brain before returning to your schoolwork.
Throughout the week, be intentional about scheduling time for yourself too. Exercise, social connection with friends and family, and true downtime replenish your energy and strengthen your emotional well-being. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally allows you to show up more fully in the classroom and in your other responsibilities.
Pinpoint What’s Getting in Your Way
Before jumping to solutions, take time to identify the root of the problem. Is one class especially difficult? Are deadlines sneaking up on you? Do tests make you anxious, even when you study?
Sometimes the obstacles in college are not the subjects themselves, but the way you approach them. Procrastination or less-than-effective study habits may create more stress and make the work feel harder.
Clarifying the source of your difficulties turns that general sense of chaos into something actionable. A time management struggle will require a different response than a study strategy that isn’t working well.
Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can choose support that addresses the problem.
Explore Academic Support Resources
With a clearer understanding of what’s contributing to your academic issues, you can seek out the right support.
Heather Frost, director of academic success at FRCC, says that students who take initiative and make use of campus services tend to make steady progress. “Academic struggle doesn’t mean you don’t belong—it’s part of learning,” she says.
Get Help When You Need It
“Real growth happens when students pause, reflect on what isn’t working and try a new approach. Most colleges provide free or low-cost academic support, but meaningful progress begins when students are ready to use it.”
The Academic Success Centers at each FRCC campus (and online) are a great place to start. The ASC is the hub for college academic help, whether you need help writing a paper or completing a math assignment.
Academic assistance provides students tools, structure and guidance. Here are a few types of college resources that help students do well in their classes and better manage the demands of college:
Tutoring
Colleges often have online tutoring, individual course-based tutoring and tutor-led study groups (for students in the same classes), among other choices. Learn more about FRCC’s tutoring options and how to get tutoring on campus.
Student Success Workshops
Many colleges offer workshops and information sessions on topics like study skills, resume writing, career exploration and leadership development. These are a great way to get some guidance and get started.
Academic Coaching
Coaching and mentoring services keep students on track academically. At FRCC, students can work with two types of academic coaches: peer mentors and tutors.
Peer academic mentors are “accountability partners” who help their fellow students overcome academic hurdles and navigate FRCC systems.
Learning strategies tutors focus on building effective study habits, including note-taking, time management and test prep.
Subject-Specific Tutoring Centers
Some subjects are known to be tricky for many students. Drop-in centers provide strong support for specific subjects.
FRCC’s Writing Centers and Math Centers on each campus are staffed with instructors and student assistants. Students can schedule sessions in advance or stop by at their convenience to get help.
Specialized Programs
Colleges often have dedicated support services for students who meet certain eligibility criteria. (For example, students with documented disabilities or first-generation college students). Offices like Disability Support Services coordinate academic accommodations and provide guidance to ensure equitable access to learning.
Some institutions also have federally funded TRIO programs—like FRCC’s TRIO Student Support Services, which offers academic guidance, mentoring, skill-building support and more.
Take Care of Your Well-Being Outside of the Classroom
Academic challenges are only part of the picture. In many cases, it isn’t a specific class that makes college tough, but life circumstances—stress, anxiety, work hours, family responsibilities, housing concerns or financial strain.
When life’s pressures build up, focusing on coursework becomes more difficult.
You Are Not Alone
Brandon Fox, senior director of student success at FRCC, says colleges increasingly recognize that students need support beyond academics. “After COVID, we at Front Range felt a deeper responsibility to care for the whole student,” he says.
“When life feels unstable, whether that’s housing, food or mental health, academics are much harder. We may not be able to fix everything, but we can listen, guide and connect students to resources,” Brandon says.
“No one should feel like they’re facing those challenges by themselves.”
How to Get Help
Here are a few types of college resources students can look for to support their success both inside and outside the classroom:
Mental Health Counseling
Many colleges provide free or low-cost counseling services with licensed professionals as well as virtual therapy sessions (via video platforms) at times that fit their schedules. Learn more about FRCC’s mental health support resources/counseling services and partnership with BetterMynd.
Campus Food Pantries
On-campus food assistance programs help students experiencing food insecurity access groceries and basic necessities discreetly. FRCC has food pantries at each campus available to all students, faculty and staff.
Health Centers
Student health centers may offer basic medical care, wellness visits and preventive services, frequently covered by student fees. If no on-campus services are available, college staff can connect students with local health care resources.
Student Support and Care Teams
Colleges may have staff members dedicated to helping students deal with difficult situations, whether that means identifying community housing resources, exploring options for affordable childcare, or finding other local assistance programs. FRCC’s student success staff direct students toward on-campus and community resources when unexpected circumstances arise.
If you are unsure where to begin, start with your college’s student services office or dean of students.
Keep Going and Celebrate Your Progress
Getting through college takes determination, persistence and a willingness to ask for help when you need it. If you stumble or feel uncertain—whether you’re wondering what to do if you’re struggling in a college class or you’re grappling with challenges outside of college—take a breath, regroup and reach out.
There’s no reason to struggle in silence. Take advantage of the support and resources available to you! When you do reach the finish line, you’ll have good reason to take pride in the knowledge, skills and resilience you’ve gained along the way.
