Student life in Iran is one of the important and influential aspects of the educational and social processes in this country. Given the large number of students and the diversity of universities and educational institutions, student life has become a significant topic that requires careful examination and analysis. This article explores various dimensions as well as the challenges and opportunities of student life in Iran, aiming to provide a comprehensive picture of the experiences, challenges, and opportunities faced by students in Iran.
Introduction
Student life, as a key stage in personal and professional development, has profound and extensive impacts on students and society. This period is recognized not only as a time for acquiring knowledge and specialized skills but also as an opportunity for the formation of social, cultural, and professional identity. Examining various aspects of this life, including economic, social, cultural, and scientific issues, can help improve the quality of education and the lives of students, while also providing useful information to educational authorities and policymakers.
According to the university service of the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), as students progress to higher levels of education, the burden of responsibility weighs more heavily on them, and naturally, the expectations of those around them increase. This issue leads to an increase in psychological and emotional stress, which can affect their academic performance at university. In this report, we refer to the website of “Macalester College” to highlight the most significant challenges and problems faced by students and their families during their studies.
Moving problems and moving away from home
The stress of adapting well to student life is always present for students. This is because students believe that their future is linked to their efforts and how they engage in university. They constantly ask themselves questions like whether they made the right choice, how to be sure their decision was correct, and if they should change their major. Along this journey, there are many people at the university who can help them. Professors, classmates, and university staff are the best individuals to address these doubts. Meanwhile, international and non-local students often feel a sense of homesickness and longing for their homeland. They frequently miss their family, friends, and even their previous place of residence.
Students often experience doubt and ambivalence regarding their dependence and independence. Some may completely rely on their families for financial and emotional support, while others may not even share important details with their families. In this context, parents should ask their children how they manage with a limited allowance, while also being open and always available to them. The university may not meet the expectations set by advisors and outlined in guidelines, which places part of the responsibility for assisting students, especially newcomers, on the university officials and staff.
Academic problems
Studying at university is harder than in school, and students may start their first semester with the lowest grades of their academic career. Additionally, some students need to familiarize themselves with the expectations of certain professors and their grading methods.
Students must learn to plan their study schedules and develop good habits on their own, as there is no one left to force them to study, attend classes, or get enough sleep. They need to define a plan that works best for them. Time management is one of the skills that can be learned or improved during this period. Students may feel excited about discovering new fields of study and may completely change their career goals and future aspirations.
While many classrooms in schools were small, students are surprised by the larger classes at university. They are the youngest members of the university and the least experienced individuals in their field of study, whereas in the final years of high school, they were undoubtedly the oldest and most experienced students in their school, and this represents the biggest change for them.
Some professors may not be as challenging and motivating as students. While some professors might be active and favored by most students, others may lack these qualities. Some professors merely guide the class and ask students to take charge and participate in discussions, which can be challenging for quiet and introverted students.
student life
In student life, there are many issues and topics that students encounter. These include the number of credits they need to take, whom to ask for help, or where to go for certain tasks. A lot of students’ energy is spent getting familiar with the new environment. At the university, they hear terms that are quite new to them. Hearing words like dean, university president, and student assembly may be new and exciting for incoming students.
The attire of students is different from their clothing in high school. They must also refrain from wearing certain outfits and using specific accessories and makeup. When they return home for the first time, their changed appearance and different look are quite noticeable to their parents.
Student relations
Students entering university may find themselves separated from their old friends and can only stay in touch through email or, if possible, by traveling to see them. In some cases, their paths may completely diverge. This situation can make students, especially those who have been friends since elementary or high school, feel sad or surprised. Upon entering university, students encounter individuals with diverse backgrounds. They may have cultural, religious, value-based, and ethical differences.
So starting a relationship with people who are so different can be very difficult. Although these differences help students find a new identity. Also, the feeling of being accepted or rejected by the other person also takes a lot of energy from students.
Roommates usually have different lifestyles and behaviors. A roommate can be messy, reliable, unreliable, boastful, helpful, and noisy, which can sometimes make living with them difficult. For many students, living with a new person is very hard and challenging, while for others, it is quite easy and friendly. Some students, due to physical disabilities, require significant support and care. Other students may also be very emotional and need support. This situation takes a lot of energy from them.
Students need to learn when to say, “I can no longer handle this issue” or “I need help.” Some students constantly call home, while others do not have this habit. Understanding students and parents’ expectations regarding how to communicate with them is also very important. Therefore, they should know when and to what extent to stay in touch with their families.
The last word
Overall, student life can be seen as an opportunity that exists amidst a significant challenge. This opportunity should be cherished, and life during this period should be shaped and crafted to create a desirable future that aligns with our aspirations.
