Issues and Challenges of College Students of Thiruvananthapuram City, Kerala

Abstract

It has been said time and again that the teenage years are the best days of your life. But now a days there are many challenges and increasing competitions during this period as the competition in the higher education system has increased the anxiety and tension among undergraduate students. This study discusses the key issues causing socio psychological problems in undergraduate students. The stressors experienced by undergraduates are mainly associated with the academic activities. The main problems that these students face as they pass from the stage of a school student to a college student are the change in academic environment, problems in socialising with the new peer groups, home sickness in case of  students who has to move away from their homes for the sake of their higher studies, lack of academic skills, financial constraints, lack of motivation, distress due to the fear of acceptance among their classmates &by their teachers and fear of failures in examination due to tough competition. These problems along with the demands of academic activities tend to create anxiety, tension and depression in them which consecutively creates negativity in them. The present study in the light of previous researches shows that the responsibilities on the undergraduate students has increased considerably as they are treated more as an adult than as a child by the time they enter college for higher education, to which they have to get adapted by themselves. For the purpose of the current study, data has been collected with the aid of a questionnaire and through personal confidential interviews. In addition to this, information has also been collected from review of literature. The sample study conducted included both genders of undergraduate students from different colleges of Thiruvananthapuram City of Kerala. In line with the findings obtained, the resulting data showed that many students are troubled with social and psychological problems, the solving of which needed proper assistance and support from their immediate society.