OPS Newsletters
Many sophomores reach a point during their second year when they feel as if they don't know why they are continuing on in college. It does not always happen during the second year, it may happen as early as your student's second semester of the freshman year or may not hit until the junior or senior years. Either way, it does happen to a majority of students at some point during their undergraduate careers.
This apathetic, somewhat dejected state known as the "Sophomore Slump" is described by former students as being a "depressive type mood" which led to a "stressful, slumpy year." At most four year universities, the second year can be a bit of an awkward time. No longer Freshmen, students are now confronted with the prospect of buckling down academically and having to make decisions about majors and they often experience sustained feelings of letdown and frustration. The period that follows is referred to as the "slump".
Many schools experience higher percentages of sophmores visiting mental health services than most other grade levels, and list some of the "symptoms" of the slump as:
1. Skipping classes
2. Feeling overloaded with work
3. Spending less time with friends, or spending more time with friends
4. Feeling jaded about their college experience
5. Continually "zoning out" while studying
6. Sleeping more, while still feeling tired and stressed out
While the slump is unavoidable for many sudents, and it is a fairly typical normal occurrence during the college years, there are ways parents can help alleviate some of the strain and depression that is brought on by a case of the sophomore slump.
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Encourage your student to take short study breaks instead of “cramming” or pulling all-night study sessions.
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Stay in touch with your student, and offer him/her support.
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Ask your student to join a social club or group that will give them regular opportunites to socialize with friends and let out their frustrations.
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If you feel that your student is particularly depressed or frustrated, advise him/her to talk to a counselor at the counseling center, an advisor or a member of the Student Life staff.
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Other helpful distractions may include going to the athletic center once a week to blow off some steam, going to bed an hour earlier at night and trying to eat healthier food.
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Classes like Tai Chi and Yoga for Relaxation, which are offered each semeseter at Pacific, can help to provide regular de-stressing time each day (or every other day) for your student to spend time apart from their friends and their studies.
It is important to remember that while the "Sophomore Slump" tends to affect most students at one point or another, it is something that each student must overcome. Staying inspired and focused only goes so far during this in-between period, and when your student does come out of the sophomore slump, he/she will have gained experience and tenacity to get through the remainder of their time at Pacific.