Navigating University Life: Overcoming Burnout and Finding Your Balance
Starting university can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re venturing into unfamiliar territory far from home. As a 21-year-old psychology major preparing for graduate studies, I recently attended orientation at my new school—my first visit to this city, which is hours away from where I grew up. The experience left me feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety about what’s to come.
Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always been deeply involved in various extracurricular activities. During my time at community college, I balanced roles in Student Media, attended student government meetings, participated in PTK, helped organize campus events, and was active in SkillsUSA—all while taking classes, applying to multiple universities, and working on campus for up to 20 hours weekly. I believe my ADHD plays a part in my relentless drive—my brain constantly signals, “Hey, I want to do that!” which sometimes results in procrastination, stress, and occasional breakdowns. Despite the chaos, I manage to push through and complete my tasks—that’s a small victory in itself.
As I prepare to move to university, I carry my energetic and sometimes neurotic tendencies with me. However, I also recognize that I’ve been experiencing significant burnout for some time. Despite this, I feel genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead: meeting new people, engaging in research, and expanding my knowledge. I have a complicated relationship with academia—part love, part frustration—but I thrive in its environment.
That said, I’ve already started feeling overwhelmed. Orientation has been a flood of information, spurring questions like: Should I apply for internships now? Is volunteering beneficial at this stage? How proactive should I be? Why do I feel like the only student attending optional sessions? It’s a lot to process.
I’ll be speaking with my therapist soon to help navigate these feelings, but I’d also appreciate insights from those who have more university experience—particularly if you understand the challenges of managing a busy schedule while staying engaged in multiple activities. Are all these efforts worthwhile in the long run? Or is it better to prioritize mental health and focus on what matters most?
If you’re in a similar boat or have advice for balancing academics, extracurriculars, and self-care, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Sharing strategies and experiences can make the journey a little less daunting for everyone.