蘑菇传媒

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When I first arrived at university, I thought the hardest part would be the coursework. I expected long hours in the library, group projects that stretched late into the evening聽and聽the occasional night of studying until sunrise before an exam. Those challenges were real, but they were not what left me most exhausted. The聽real burden聽came from something quieter,聽something I had never even heard of before: the mental load.

The mental load is all of the things you think about, plan for and organize that no one else sees. It is not simply what happens inside the classroom. It is the constant responsibility of keeping your life moving while also trying to keep up with your studies.

The Constant Juggle

In between lectures, I would find myself thinking about whether I had remembered to email my landlord if my OSAP (, a government financial aid program for students) payment had arrived and if I could still buy groceries after paying for rent and textbooks. Sometimes, during a lab session, I would suddenly remember that I needed to register for a career fair or renew my student bus pass.

These tasks were not complicated on their own, but together they preoccupied my mind. They became a layer of invisible work that followed me everywhere, even when I was supposed to be focused on something else.

The Many Small Decisions

One thing I never expected was how many decisions I would have to make each day. From the moment I woke up, I was choosing what to wear, whether to walk or take the bus and which assignment to start first. By the time evening arrived, deciding what to make for dinner felt like a major challenge.

This is called decision fatigue. When your mind is busy shifting between so many small choices all day, even the simplest decision can start to feel overwhelming. It is not a sign that you are careless. It is a sign that your brain has been working without pause.

The Responsibilities We Overlook

Alongside coursework, there is a long list of responsibilities that no one includes in a syllabus:

• Answering emails from professors and supervisors
• Updating a LinkedIn profile before a networking event
• Booking medical appointments and renewing important documents
• Keeping a budget so you can pay rent and still have enough for groceries

These tasks may not have deadlines or grades attached to them, but they are essential. As they are not part of the formal academic structure, they can be harder to schedule time for. This means they often remain on your mind until they are done.

Learning to Carry Less

It took me some time to realize that managing the mental load was not about doing more, but about creating habits that reduced the number of decisions I needed to make.

I started eating the same breakfast on weekdays. That small change removed one choice from my mornings and left me with more energy for the day ahead.

I set aside a half hour every other day for administrative tasks. During that time, I answered emails, checked my OSAP account and planned my schedule. Instead of letting those tasks interrupt me throughout the day, I completed them in one block.

When I thought of something I needed to do, I wrote it down in a notebook right away. This helped me trust that I would remember it rather than keeping it in my mind all day.

I also gave myself a few regular choices for meals, outfits and bus routes. Limiting these options made my daily routine feel calmer.

Most importantly, I started taking short walks without my phone. Even ten minutes outside gave me a clearer head and a break from constant input.

Why It Matters

The mental load is a real part of university life and it often goes unnoticed. It is easy to think you are simply bad at managing your time or not working hard enough when, in reality, you are carrying a set of responsibilities that no one else can see.

Recognizing this weight is the first step to making it lighter. By creating routines, writing things down and giving your mind genuine rest, you can protect your energy for the work that matters most.

University is about more than attending lectures and completing assignments. It is about learning to manage the many moving parts of your life in a way that keeps you healthy and balanced. That skill will serve you well long after graduation.

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By Lisha Lao, Student, Carleton University

I was 18 years old when I began studying at university in 2022. I moved from Toronto to Ottawa and it was the first time I鈥檝e ever lived alone. I struggled with so many things. I was lonely, scared and had no idea what I was doing. I constantly asked myself why I decided to move five hours away from my family and friends and if studying journalism was really worth all the trouble. 

I am in my third year now and this is the first year where I really feel this is where I belong, and this is somewhere I could make something of myself. 

I have changed my degree or elements of my degree three times. Each time was difficult and upsetting but the right decision in the long run. 

My biggest struggle was that I felt I needed to know exactly what I wanted to study because in doing so I would know who I wanted to become. I thought being indecisive about university courses was some sort of moral failure I needed to overcome. I thought I was alone and falling behind, when in reality, things were just beginning. 

I isolated myself out of fear and embarrassment when there was no reason to at all. You do not need to suffer alone. What really helped was when I finally went to speak to my academic advisor. She listened to the concerns I had about the classes I was taking and helped me find courses which better suit my interests, and benefit my career path. She guided me on how to speak to professors and directed me to the mental health counselling services on campus. I realized that my struggles were not unique and there were support systems in place for my exact issues. 

Talk to seniors in your field. 

Wanting to switch your major or change your minor is not crazy. It is in fact a common occurrence. 50-70 per cent of students change their major at least once during their studies, according to the. 

I鈥檝e spoken to advisors, professors, teaching assistants, and upperclassmen. I鈥檝e learnt something from them all. Everything has happened already, there is an extremely high possibility that someone has gone through the same thing and can guide or advise you through it. 

In my second year, I was really insecure about never having published anything as a journalism major. I compared myself a lot to my peers who had published many things and seemed so sure of themselves. I became friends with someone two years older than me who advised me not to let insecurity consume me, and things started to pick up in third and fourth year. She was right. I have taken writing classes and workshops that have trained me further in news writing and given me something to be proud of.

Everyone wants you to succeed. 

This is not to say there will never be setbacks. This is not to say that you will never fail a class, or come across a deeply grumpy teaching assistant or professor. But even failure and rejection have its benefits because it can direct you to the proper outcome or redirect you to a field you are better equipped to excel in. 

It was mentally excruciating deciding whether to change my major or not. I once went to a professor's office hours to ask what they honestly thought about me remaining in their field of study, and they told me to switch out. This devastated me. However (and I hate to say it) they were right. I switched out of that program and am better for it. 

You pay for support so take advantage of that support.

Most universities in 蘑菇传媒 will have a variety of support systems for students to take advantage of. These can come from: the university themselves, your student union, or the faculty your program is in. My university offers the following: 

• An academic advisor 
• Career services 
• 100 pages of free printing every year 
• Networking events 
• Guest speaker events 
• Mental health and wellness counselling 
• Off-campus housing resources 
• Eyecare and dental insurance 
• Library database 

I go to career services when I need help formatting a CV or preparing for a job interview. Networking events always introduce me to peers I never would have spoken to otherwise. Universities are the places to look for information. If you need to know something, look through your library鈥檚 database! 

The list above is not an exhaustive end to all the resources offered at universities. Look to see which ones your school offers!

I am not immune to jealousy and still feel insecure about my place in the greater scheme of things, but now I know there are people who are willing to advise me through hardships. 

In your university journey in 蘑菇传媒, you will make mistakes, encounter roadblocks, struggle, but you will become better for it. Keep going, you鈥檙e doing great.

I have many peers who are actually better, smarter, and more successful than me and that's alright. With time, I鈥檝e been able to say that I鈥檓 trying my best. I am trying and on track to accomplish my goals. For now that is all I need. 

A degree is made up of what you learn academically and what you learn from seniors in your field. In your university journey in 蘑菇传媒, you will make mistakes, encounter roadblocks, struggle, but you will become better for it. Keep going, you鈥檙e doing great.

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Embarking on your university journey is like stepping onto a thrilling new path, filled with both promise and potential challenges. For many students鈥攚hether domestic or international鈥攊t鈥檚 a time of newfound independence, academic challenges, and major life transitions. One of the best ways to make this journey smoother is to build a solid support network. This article will guide you through why a support network is crucial, how to start building one, and the various resources available to help you thrive in your first year of university in 蘑菇传媒.

Why a Support Network Matters

Your first year of university is a period of adjustment. You鈥檙e navigating new responsibilities, social dynamics, and academic expectations. Having a support network can help ease this transition by providing emotional support, guidance, and practical advice.

A strong support network can:

• Reduce feelings of loneliness: Being surrounded by supportive peers can combat the sense of isolation many first-year students experience, especially those living away from home for the first time or adjusting to a new country.
• Provide academic help: Your peers, professors, and university staff can assist you with coursework, study strategies, and time management.
• Promote well-being: Emotional support can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and homesickness, contributing to better mental health.
• Offer networking opportunities: The connections you make in your first year can be the start of lifelong friendships and even career opportunities.

Making Friends and Connections

The first step in building your support network is connecting with other students. Everyone is in the same boat鈥攍ooking for friends and adjusting to this new environment.

• Join student groups and clubs: Universities in 蘑菇传媒 have a wide range of student-run clubs, from academic societies to interest-based groups like sports, music, or social activism. Joining a club not only helps you pursue hobbies but also introduces you to like-minded people.
• Participate in orientation events: Orientation weeks are designed to help first-year students get acquainted with campus life and meet fellow students. Whether you attend in-person or virtual events, these gatherings are excellent icebreakers and give you a head start in meeting people.
• Get involved in study groups: Forming or joining study groups for your courses is a great way to bond with classmates, share knowledge, and keep each other motivated academically.

For international students, making friends may seem intimidating at first, especially if you鈥檙e navigating cultural differences or language barriers. But remember that Canadian campuses are very multicultural, and you鈥檒l likely meet students who share similar experiences.

Leveraging University Resources

Canadian universities provide a wealth of resources to help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

• Academic advisors: These staff members can help you select courses, plan your academic path, and provide guidance on balancing your workload.
• Counselling services: Many universities offer free or low-cost mental health services. If you鈥檙e feeling overwhelmed, homesick, or anxious, talking to a professional can make a huge difference.
• Peer mentorship programs: Some universities pair first-year students with upper-year mentors who offer advice on academics, student life, and navigating university resources. Mentorship can be especially helpful for international students unfamiliar with the Canadian education system.
• Health and wellness services: From mental health counselling to fitness programs, universities offer various services to support your overall well-being. Staying healthy is key to succeeding in your studies.

For international students, support might also include international student offices, which offer resources specific to students adjusting to life in 蘑菇传媒. They can help with immigration paperwork, offer advice on housing, and organize social events for international students.

Building Academic Relationships

Establishing relationships with your professors, teaching assistants (TAs), and academic advisors can be immensely beneficial.

• Visit office hours: Professors and TAs often hold office hours where you can ask questions about lectures, assignments, or anything you鈥檙e struggling with. This shows that you鈥檙e engaged and serious about your studies. It can also lead to deeper academic mentorship over time.
• Engage in class: Participating in discussions, asking questions, and attending tutorials or seminars can help you build rapport with your instructors and classmates.

Strong academic relationships are not just about improving grades. They can also open doors for research opportunities, internships, and letters of recommendation for future career or academic pursuits.

Balancing Personal and Social Life

Building a support network is not just about academics鈥攊t鈥檚 also about maintaining a healthy balance between your personal and social life.

• Stay connected to family and old friends: Moving away for university doesn鈥檛 mean you should cut ties with your past. Regularly keeping in touch with family and friends back home can provide comfort and stability, especially during challenging times.
• Set boundaries: While making new friends and participating in social activities are essential, don鈥檛 overextend yourself. Prioritize self-care and ensure you have time to rest and recharge.
• Find a mentor outside of school: A mentor from your community, family, or a professional in your field of interest can provide a broader perspective on life during your university years.

Navigating Cultural Differences (For International Students)

For international students, adjusting to a new culture can add an extra layer of complexity to the university experience. But it also presents opportunities to enrich your university journey.

• Embrace cultural diversity: Canadian campuses are known for their diversity. Embrace opportunities to learn about different cultures and share your own. By participating in cultural exchange, you鈥檒l form friendships that are both meaningful and broadening.
• Seek out international student communities: Most Canadian universities have a dedicated international student community. These groups often organize social events, provide academic support, and offer a space where you can speak your language and connect with people who understand the challenges of studying abroad.
• Attend intercultural workshops: Some universities offer workshops or courses on intercultural communication, which can be especially helpful in navigating academic or social situations.

Tips for Maintaining Your Support Network

Once you鈥檝e started building your network, it鈥檚 essential to maintain it. Strong relationships require effort, but the rewards are well worth it.

• Be proactive: Reach out to classmates, roommates, or professors even if you鈥檙e feeling shy or unsure. It鈥檚 normal for everyone to feel awkward in the beginning.
• Offer help: Building a support network is a two-way street. When you offer support to others, you build stronger, reciprocal relationships.
• Stay engaged: Attend social events, club meetings, or study groups regularly. Consistency helps strengthen connections over time.

Building a support network in your first year of university is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a smooth and enjoyable transition. Whether you鈥檙e a domestic or international student, taking the time to connect with peers, professors, and campus resources will help you navigate the ups and downs of university life. Remember, university is not just about academics鈥攊t鈥檚 about building lifelong connections and creating a support system that will help you thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

By taking small steps to connect with others, asking for help when you need it, and maintaining a balance between your academic and personal life, you鈥檒l find yourself in a strong, supportive community that helps you make the most of your university experience.

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