Unlock the Secret to Taming the Chaos of College Life: What Every Student Needs to Know Now

As the world around them seems to spin out of control, college students struggle to find balance and peace in their lives. With the constant juggling of classes, assignments, social events, and part-time jobs, it’s easy to feel like time is moving at an incredible pace. Claire Krieger, FCRH ’26, understands this struggle and emphasizes the need for students to take a step back and focus on the present moment.

With the pressures of college life often feeling overwhelming, many students find themselves caught up in worries about the past or future. Whether it’s anxiety about upcoming exams, thoughts about what could have been done differently in a past semester, or fear about what the future holds, these concerns can have serious effects on a student’s well-being and mental health.

Rather than getting caught up in these worries, Krieger stresses the importance for students to learn how to live in the moment. This means letting go of what cannot be changed and embracing the present, with all of its challenges and opportunities. By doing so, students can begin to manage their stress and anxiety, focusing on the things they can control and taking action in pursuit of their goals.

Living in the present moment is not as simple as just a mental change—it is a practice that must be cultivated and honed. This involves developing a greater awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings, being mindful of when worries and concerns start to creep in, and actively making a decision to push them aside and focus on the present.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways students can work on becoming more aware of their thoughts and the present moment. Practices like meditation and deep breathing can help, and many colleges offer courses or workshops on these topics. Additionally, spending time with friends, engaging in hobbies and activities, or taking up exercise can also help to reduce stress and make students more aware of the present moment.

Students like Krieger are key to this shift in perspective, advocating for the benefits of mindfulness, and, in doing so, demonstrating the power that lies within each student to transform their experience and create a more peaceful, balanced life. Their voices remind everyone that, even amidst the chaos of college life, they have a choice about how to react, think and live. With an awakened and mindful attitude, they can begin taking control over their present, rather than letting stress and worries control them.

One student at a time, a more centered and aware generation of learners can emerge. For that reason, students need to reclaim the present moment and do what works best for their well-being and pursuit of their dreams.