RA360: Issues Facing College Students
TL;DR
College students can face a range of issues and struggles during their time in housing. As a student leader, you should be able to identify these issues, have a basic understanding of what causes them and what their effects are, and have strategies to help your residents.
As an RA or student staff member, you’re often the first stop when a student needs help. But there are so many issues that college students face, that you’ll likely not be familiar with all of them. This page highlights some of the most common concerns college students face. While the list isn’t exhaustive (it never could be) and every student’s situation is a little unique, it offers a foundation for the kinds of conversations and challenges you might encounter. Always remember to consult with your supervisor and remember your resources. This page is just a primer. You don’t need to have every answer, you just need to know how to help someone find it.
What Kinds Of Issues Do College Students Face?
What have you struggled with during your college years?
What have you seen others in your community struggle with?
The following are some issues you may encounter. They’re explored more further down the page. These issues are also closely related to a lot of offices and resources available on campus. Check out the campion RA360 on Campus Resources.
| Academic | Mental Health | Social & Campus Life | Financial & Career | Health & Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time management difficulties | Anxiety and panic attacks | Roommate conflicts | Inadequate financial aid | Substance use and abuse |
| Academic pressure and high expectations | Depression | Difficulty making friends | Budgeting and money management challenges | Sexual health and education |
| Test anxiety | Self-esteem or identity issues | Homesickness | Student loan debt | Chronic illness or disability management |
| Poor study skills or habits | Body image concerns | Navigating romantic relationships | Uncertainty about career direction | Nutrition and maintaining a healthy diet |
| Difficulty choosing or changing majors | Imposter syndrome | Feeling excluded or marginalized | Difficulty finding internships or job opportunities | Sexual assault or harassment |
| Adjusting to different teaching styles | Grief and loss | Navigating romantic relationships | Balancing unpaid work or internships | Safety concerns on or near campus |
“Colleges and universities are full of resources designed to help students succeed on their journey to graduation. The people who work in those offices are there because they want to help students. Never be afraid to reach out to a campus resource for help, for yourself or the students you are working with. Even if the office can’t help you, often times they will help guide you in the right direction.”
Academic
👂 What You Might Hear
Academics can be a major source of stress for college students and it’s not always just because of grades. Some residents may be struggling to keep up with classwork, questioning their major, facing learning differences they’re only now identifying, or just feeling completely lost in a sea of syllabi. These are real, complex challenges, and they often show up in casual hallway conversations or late-night check-ins.
🛟 Who Else Can Help
You don’t have to solve these academic puzzles on your own. Many campuses have Academic Support Centers or similar offices that offer tutoring, advising, study skills coaching, and even help with navigating accommodations. When a resident seems overwhelmed, connecting them to these services can make a world of difference.
Want to Dive Deeper?
Mental Health
👂 What You Might Hear
College life doesn’t hit pause just because someone’s feeling off. Whether it’s physical health, mental well-being, sleep deprivation, or a general sense of burnout, wellness struggles can show up quietly, until they don’t. You might hear a resident say, “I haven’t eaten all day,” or “I just can’t get out of bed lately,” and realize there’s more going on beneath the surface.
🛟 Who Else Can Help
Your support matters, but so does connecting students to professionals trained in this space. Your campus counseling center is often the best place to start when a student needs to talk, vent, or explore deeper mental health support. Many campuses also offer wellness coaching, health clinics, and group resources like mindfulness workshops or peer wellness programs.
Want to Dive Deeper?
Social & Campus Life
👂 What You Might Hear
Living on campus comes with unique challenges about living with others, connecting and making friends, and finding one’s community. Be on the look out for students who may be struggling to connect or are marginalized on campus. This is where having an intentional conversation can help you move beyond surface-level talk to get to the real experiences of your residents.
🛟 Who Else Can Help
Offices like Student Activities and Involvement can help students get involved on campus and find their niche. Residence life (and that mans you) can also have a significant impact. You’re in the best position to help residents find a home community, whether its’ physically in the residence hall or with an organization outside of it.
Want to Dive Deeper?
Financial & Career
👂 What You Might Hear
Finances and future plans are two of the biggest anxiety triggers for college students and they often go hand in hand. Whether it’s worrying about affording next semester, managing credit cards for the first time, or spiraling over post-grad plans, students can carry a lot of unspoken stress around these topics.
🛟 Who Else Can Help
When a resident opens up about financial pressure or career worries, your role is to listen, affirm, and help them take the next step. Offices like Financial Aid and Student Business Services can help students understand their options, host workshops, and avoid falling into panic mode. If it’s anxiety over future plans, Career Services supports students at every stage by offering resume reviews, interview preparation, internship connections, and guidance for exploring career paths, helping students feel more confident about their next steps.
Want to Dive Deeper?
The US Department of Education has provided resources with the benefits of financial capability, the value of financial literacy, and the importance of access to financial resources.
Understanding personal finance topics such as savings, loans, and investments is seldom a straightforward task, especially in the context of paying for college.
Health & Safety
👂 What You Might Hear
Health and safety concerns can range from feeling physically unwell to situations involving personal safety or emergencies. Whether it’s a student facing illness, needing support after an accident, or navigating uncomfortable or unsafe situations, knowing where to turn can make all the difference.
🛟 Who Else Can Help
Campus offices like Health Services provide medical care, alcohol education, and support for illness or injury. Meanwhile, Title IX and University Police are ready to respond quickly to emergencies, ensure community safety, and connect students to resources like escorts or safety workshops. Your role is vital in noticing concerns early and connecting students to the right supports.
Want to Dive Deeper?
Questions To Ponder:
- Which of these issues have you seen arise in your communities?
- How can you approach an issue you may not know much about?
- What supports exist on campus to help students confronting these issues?
RA360 Outcomes:
RAs and student staff members will be able to:
- Identify common issues that residents may face.
- Describe the causes and effects of these issues.
- Apply strategies to help students working through these issues.
More To Explore
RA360 is a set of resources organized around skills, topics and competencies relevant to Resident Advisors and similar related student staff positions in college and university residence halls.
