Managing the demands of college can be difficult at times, especially if you have a mental illness or if you’re dealing with other stressors beyond school. As an international student, you may find yourself faced with a unique set of challenges. Some students are nervous or hesitant about seeking help, but remember that even a minor issue can become a major problem if you don’t take care of yourself. Know that having a mental illness is NOT a sign of weakness.
At U-M, there are resources and people who are ready and willing to help.
One of the best resources for international students at U-M is the International Center. The U-M International Center provides a variety of services to assist international students, scholars, faculty and staff at the University of Michigan, as well as U-M American students seeking opportunities to study, work, or travel abroad. The International Student and Scholar Services team serves as a key resource to the U-M community in the following ways:
- Advises international students, scholars, their dependents, and University departments on compliance with U.S. immigration laws and regulations related to F and J visa categories
- Recommends and approves immigration benefits
- Verifies, tracks, and submits visa status notifications through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), as required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Advises on adjustment to U.S. society and American culture, academic concerns and community resources
- Processes DS-2019s, I-20s, travel signatures, and letters needed for travel, employment, maintaining status, social security numbers, and other immigration related matters
- Conducts workshops and orientation sessions for international students, scholars, and U-M departments
A few of the common challenges international students face as well as helpful tips to manage them, can be found below.
ACADEMIC PRESSURES
Many students find that adjusting to the academic demands of U-M can be stressful. You may find that adapting to differences in the work load, class structure, the professor’s teaching style, language barriers, or other aspects of academic life is more difficult that you expected. In addition, some students tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform well academically. Remember that you are one of many high achieving students at U-M, so you may need to adjust your expectations. Getting a low grade on an exam doesn’t mean that you won’t go on to have a successful career after college. Here are some tips to help you manage academic pressures:
- Tackle academic problems early. Speaking with your academic advisor early and taking advantage of office hours are great ways to prevent academic trouble. It’s also a good way to get to know your professors and get some feedback about how you are understanding the material. Find other academic tips.
- For graduate students, schedule regular meetings with your academic advisor(s). These are opportunities to discuss your progress, plan/revise your goals, and get help if you need it. The Rackham Graduate School provides a helpful guide, “How to Get the Mentoring You Want.”
- Don’t be afraid to reduce your course load. Students often reduce their course loads if they find that their mental health symptoms begin to interfere with their academic performance. While withdrawing from classes can be frustrating and emotionally difficult, you may benefit from a lighter class load by having more time to concentrate on your treatment and recovery. It is a good idea to talk to your mental health provider about any negative thoughts or feelings that you have associated with reducing your course load. Students with certain mental illnesses may request a Reduced Course Load authorization for medical (including psychological) conditions. Talk with the U-M International Center about this possibility and how it may affect your immigration status.
ADJUSTING TO A NEW CULTURE
In addition to adjusting to the challenges of school, international students often face the transition to a new culture. The International Center and the Rackham Graduate School provide a variety of support and guidance to ease this transition. The International Center website has tips on adjusting to the U.S. and links to information on English as a second language.
Tip: Get some free lunch and talk with other international students at the International Student Lunch Conversation offered by CAPS.
EFFECTS OF SEASON ON MOOD
Many students find that they are strongly affected by the reduced sunlight and cold temperatures common to Michigan winters. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a depressive disorder in which depressive episodes occur at specific times during the year, typically in the fall and winter seasons as the amount of daily sunlight decreases. Some things that may be helpful:
? Go outside. Try to get at least 30 minutes of sunlight every day. If you can’t get outside, try visiting the Wellness Zone at Counseling and Psychological Services to try out their free light box.
? Exercise. Even moderate amounts of exercise can be helpful in lifting your mood. See other tips for taking care of yourself on this site.
FEELINGS OF DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, OR OTHER MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
If you are struggling, you are not alone. It is important that you tell someone about your symptoms. Counseling and Psychological Services provides free counseling services for enrolled U-M students. At a counseling session, you have the chance to talk about your concerns with someone in a safe, friendly, and culturally sensitive environment.
? Don’t get discouraged if there is a long wait time for an appointment. You can always speak with a CAPS Counselor-on-Duty (734-764-8312) for urgent matters, and there are many free support groups that can help you to manage your mood while you wait for your appointment.
? If you find that you aren’t connecting with your counselor, don’t be afraid to talk to him/her about it or ask to see someone else. For treatment to work, you need to feel comfortable sharing information. Some people find that it takes a few tries to find the provider that is the right ‘fit.’ Find other tips for making the most out of your appointment.