New Semester, Same Struggles: Balancing Academics and Stress

 As the third week of the semester officially kicks off, it is hard to ignore the whirlwind of events that have already shaped the beginning of this academic calendar. While students are still trying to adjust to the demands of the first few weeks, this semester feels less like a fresh start and more like the continuation of challenges that have already begun to take their toll on students’ physical and mental well-being.

In less than three weeks, the student community has been bombarded with issues ranging from erratic power supply due to frequent collapses of the national grid to the disruptions caused by the strike of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and of course, the 76th convocation ceremony. These events have made resumption feel overwhelming, particularly in the first two weeks, when students would normally be easing into the semester.

The compressed nature of this semester only adds to the stress of students. With just a one-week break following the last semester, students barely had time to recuperate. Lectures are condensed into 11 weeks, with two weeks allocated for exams before the academic session ends. This tight timeline raises a critical question of how students cope with such pressure while maintaining their well-being.

The short break between semesters, which lasted only a week, has left many students struggling to regain their energy. For those who spent the break catching up on unfinished coursework or dealing with the stress of final exams, the limited time off was hardly a break. The situation is compounded by the fact that the previous semester was marked by an erratic power supply during exams, making it even harder for students to prepare adequately. 

For students who rely on stable electricity to study and complete assignments, the frequent power outages were more than just an inconvenience, it was a major obstacle to academic success. This unreliable power supply, which continued into the current semester, has further eroded students’ ability to focus and perform well academically.

In addition to the physical exhaustion of rushing through coursework and facing unreliable utilities, there is the mental strain of this accelerated academic schedule. Final-year students feel the pressure of balancing heavy course loads with the demands of final-year projects. Many students are finding it hard to cope with the sheer volume of work required in such a compressed timeframe. The lack of a proper break between semesters has only made the transition more difficult, and the cumulative effect on students’ mental health cannot be ignored.

While the academic calendar has been stressful, other events on campus have also added to the busyness. A major disruption occurred with the NASU strike, which began on October 28, 2024. The strike led to erratic power supply and a change in the hall closure time, adding an extra layer of chaos to an already chaotic resumption period. For students who rely upon on-campus facilities, these disruptions further hindered their ability to settle into the semester and focus on their studies.

Additionally, there is an ongoing political climate in the school community. With political aspirants dominating conversations on campus, students are dealing with the weight of these issues alongside academic pressures. For many, the fervour of political debates and campaigns is a constant distraction from their studies. While political engagement is important, the intensity of the political atmosphere this semester has added another layer of complexity to the student experience. There is no doubt that students will be expecting different dynamics in the upcoming election as students experienced and are still experiencing first-hand the failure of the student union government in handling critical issues that concern students’ welfare and needs.

This semester, unlike others, is starting under an unusually difficult condition. The shortened break, strike action, and academic pressures have combined to create stress and exhaustion for students. Yet, despite these challenges, it is essential to consider the toll this semester could have on students’ mental health.

While there might be valid reasons for pushing through the semester quickly—such as aligning with university-wide plans or completing the session on time—the toll this rush takes on students cannot be swept under the rug. The university body must recognise that academic success cannot be sustained by stress and exhaustion alone. More consideration should be given to students’ well-being in future academic planning, ensuring that academic and mental health needs are prioritised.

Despite the challenges, there’s hope that students can still make the most of this semester. The key will be to manage expectations both in academics and personal well-being and find ways to navigate the pressures while maintaining mental and emotional balance. It may not be too late to wish students a happy resumption, but we must acknowledge the strain they are already under. The upcoming months require resilience, adaptability, and a strong support system.

For now, as students navigate the whirlwind this semester, they must remember to prioritise their mental, emotional and physical health and should also seek help when needed. It is a challenging start, but with the right strategies and support, students can still find ways to succeed in this fast-paced environment.