1. Lack of sleep
One of the biggest challenges for students in Singapore is getting enough sleep. Sleep is crucial for both mental and physical health. It allows your body to recharge and repair itself, which aids in concentration, memory retention, and productivity.
Many students struggle with sleep because they have so much stress and responsibility—and it’s no surprise, given the amount of work you may be juggling at any given time. To get the healthy benefits of sleep while also addressing your other pressing responsibilities, experts recommend that most adults aim for 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night. A regular sleep schedule can also help your body maintain its energy levels throughout the day and avoid feeling drowsy during important activities like classes or studying.
Many factors could disrupt your ability to get a good night’s rest. Caffeine or nicotine use within a few hours before going to bed can make it harder for you to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night, as can having an irregular sleep schedule (for example, sleeping at different times on weekdays versus weekends).
2. Poor time management skills
To improve poor time management, I would advise the following:
- Plan and use a calendar. Planning out your day or week and writing down your commitments can help you keep track of what’s going on. If you aren’t great with calendars, you can use a simple to-do list instead. Putting down tasks in writing helps cement them in your mind so that you’re more likely to remember to do them.
- Avoid procrastination as much as possible. Before doing something else, ask yourself: is this something I need to do today? If it isn’t, plan for when you will get around to it later on and set aside some time for it then. For example, if you’ve been assigned an essay due in two weeks but know that you’re going to watch TV tonight instead of working on it, put aside two hours next Tuesday night as “essay-writing time” so that there are no surprises when the deadline rolls around.
- Avoid spending too much time on social media and other distractions like video games or Netflix series marathons unless they need to be done today (and even then, maybe find the willpower to wait until tomorrow). While social media can be pleasant and fun sometimes, too much of a good thing can make life harder for you down the road.
- Don’t commit yourself too heavily to things. Be selective about what activities and events you say yes to; otherwise, your calendar is going to fill up fast! If we go back to our earlier example of having been assigned an essay due in two weeks but knowing that you’re going out with friends tonight—do those plans need solidifying tonight? Is there another opportunity for get-togethers with those friends coming up soon? And if not, would a Skype date work just as well? Think about what’s most important at any given moment; saying no sometimes actually increases the quality of life by reducing stress in the long run!
3. Financial crunch
The financial crunch is also among the top challenges faced by students in Singapore. The main reasons behind the financial crunch include poor planning, huge expenses, and fewer earnings. Students should make proper plans to manage their finances. They can cut down some expenses to save money. For instance, they can use cheaper public transport or walk to reach their destinations instead of using cabs. They can also avoid spending money on non-essential goods such as branded clothes, and so on.
Students can earn some extra income by doing part-time jobs that are usually available for students in Singapore such as event management, retail sales assistant, customer service role, etc. Many companies offer student traineeships for college and university students that help them to get practical knowledge about the industry along with financial benefits from their salary in the form of a stipend or wage.
If you’re struggling financially as a student in Singapore, you may apply for government assistance programs like PSEA (Post-Secondary Education Account) and TCA (Tuition Credit Account). These accounts are beneficial for students who have completed secondary education in Singapore but facing financial problems due to low family income levels or other issues.
You should make good financial plans right from the beginning of your college years so that you don’t face any kind of financial crisis during your studies. If you’re already falling into a financial crunch situation, it’s important not to lose hope and try hard until you overcome it completely!
4. Unhealthy eating habits
The best way to improve your eating habits is to begin by making small changes, then gradually adding healthy habits. For example, instead of splurging on a large order of fast food, you can opt for a smaller serving of healthier comfort food from a local restaurant.
What follows are five tips to bring more health into your diet, keeping you energized and focused all day long:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Avoid eating out for every meal (and especially try not to eat fast food)
- Stay away from junk food when possible
- Try to eat at regular times throughout the day (even if it’s just snacks)
- Drink more water
5. The stress of living with their families
Parents usually don’t understand the stress their kids are facing as they transition back home. They may not realize how used to living on their own your child has become and therefore may treat them like the same kid who was living in the house just a few months ago. Parents need to be aware of these changes and make an effort to communicate with their children about them.
Finally, it can be difficult if students are sharing a room with a sibling or other family member. While this is necessary for some households due to space constraints, it has its drawbacks. The student will have less privacy than they did at school or on exchange trips, and there may not be enough time for quiet study time if multiple people are using the space at once.
It can also take some adjustment for siblings who were previously close but haven’t shared space in years–especially if one of them feels like they’re treated differently than before (for example, if one sibling is given more freedom or responsibility because they’re older).
Students face a lot of personal struggles, and they are nothing to be ashamed of.
Despite the challenges students might come across, they should not be discouraged. Instead, they should know that they are strong enough to overcome them and become even better people from this experience. Many school-goers struggle with their studies, but only those who persevere will be able to come out on top. As for the stress of examinations and peers’ expectations, you can always seek help from your teachers or counselors if you need someone to talk to. After all, every student in Singapore must be aware that challenges are nothing to be ashamed of—everyone faces them at some point or another in their lives!
