- Many at times College is often described as the "best years of life", a time of freedom, growth, and endless social opportunities. However, behind this idealized image lies a complex reality many students encounter firsthand. The subtle yet powerful toxic trends shape campus life in ways few talk about openly.
Many at times College is often described as the "best years of life", a time of freedom, growth, and endless social opportunities. However, behind this idealized image lies a complex reality many students encounter firsthand. The subtle yet powerful toxic trends shape campus life in ways few talk about openly.
One of the most pervasive trends is the relentless comparison culture. Immediately, one joins Campus, but the element of culture shock and the desire to fit in comes into play.
They are creating an underlying pressure to prove oneself constantly. This element is effortlessly spread by social media; pictures of College eating life with a big spoon, travelling, new accessories and partying print a picture that everyone else is succeeding apart from them.
Additionally, exposure to such glamorizing materials leads to low self-esteem, feelings of failure and self-doubt. To cope, some students pour themselves into endless commitments: clubs, sports, research projects, and part-time jobs, pushing their schedules to the limit. This "hustle culture" becomes a badge of honor, creating a sense that if you're not exhausted, you're not doing enough.
While involvement is healthy in moderation, the collective push to stay "busy" leads many students to burnout before realising it, leaving them mentally and physically drained.
Furthermore, abuse of drugs and substances has been used as a form of relieving one thought. Students, in their effort to relax and unwind, find themselves in the trap of drinking and partying while engaging in late-night life engagements that often cover deep secrets. For some, these habits become a means of getting on with life and handling academic and social pressure, blurring the line between casual enjoyment and dependency.
This culture of expectation also leads to a reluctance to show vulnerability. Despite being surrounded by thousands of peers, many students struggle to admit when they need help. Mental health challenges—anxiety, depression, and even burnout—are widespread, yet there's an unspoken rule to maintain the appearance of having it all together. While everyone else seems to be doing well, individuals tend to assume they are the only ones who aren't doing well and the only ones facing challenges.
The unspoken pressures accompanying campus life are real, affecting students' mental health, sense of self-worth, and overall well-being.
Additionally, acknowledging these toxic trends is the first step toward change. Immediate efforts are needed to address these pressing issues. There is a need to accept the existence of such a problem, and by engaging in such conversations about mental health, encouraging a balanced approach to involvement, and creating spaces for authentic connections, campuses can shift away from a culture of constant comparison and burnout.
College has the potential to be a time of growth and exploration, but only when students feel supported enough to be themselves, imperfections and all. Ultimately, redefining campus life is about creating an environment where students can thrive—not just survive.
