For the average student, college is stressful enough, having to take several classes, engage in extracurriculars and organizations, and some having part-time jobs to support themselves. But step into the life of a student who comes from an immigrant family, and college becomes just one stressor in their wheelhouse of many, as they navigate the increasing presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in their communities. These worries come from the growing nu

Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and more can all be a result of college students' mental health plummeting. More than 60% of college attendees met the criteria for at least one mental health problem, according to a study. Students may not have the chance to look into resources that help them, and don't want to waste their time with something like that, especially when they have a job, school work, and other personal needs that need to be met. Many can get a start and a

Oakland University. Photo courtesy of Maddie Valascho, 2026. Here at Oakland University, the campus life is great with many different activities and clubs offered. Students walk around between their classes laughing with friends or scrolling on their phones. From an outside perspective, everything looks uniform and complete, and how a normal campus should look. But when you start asking these students questions, a different story comes out. “I feel like I’m constantly behind

For a young Shefali Khullar, fiber crafts like knitting and crochet were hobbies she associated with her late grandma, who always had yarn lying around her house while Khullar was growing up. Now, as a busy Oakland University (OU) sophomore majoring in social work, crochet has become an integral part of Khullar’s self care, even prompting her to create the all-new Crochet Club on campus. Vice President of the Crochet Club, Tooba Bashart (left), and President of the Crochet Cl

A person stands with an umbrella while smoke comes from their head. Illustration courtesy of Adobe Stock. As finals week approaches here at Oakland University, students are not only preparing academically but also mentally. Being that it is finals week coming up, they are trying to manage levels of stress, exhaustion, and burnout. Finals week in the winter semester can be the most intense period of the semester. Time is coming down, and students have to face multiple exams,

For international student-athletes, coming to the United States is seen as an opportunity, one that offers higher-level competition, education, and personal growth. But behind that opportunity is a transition that can significantly impact mental health. At Oakland University, international athletes are navigating not only the demands of college athletics, but also the emotional challenges of adapting to a completely new life. “It was a mix of excitement and nerves,” Nisa Bulu

A stream rushes behind Hillcrest Hall on Oakland University’s Campus. Photo Courtesy of Rhiannon Galloway. Centers and student-led organizations are presently working to preserve and better the biological preserves and the general environment on campus. These preserves serve a vital role as living laboratories for teaching and learning for students, professors, and professionals alike. Sustainability has been a priority of Oakland University since the late 1970s, beginning wi

Students at Oakland University have access to a plethora of environmentally based resources, such as the on-campus bio-preserve, hiking trails kept neat by a select team of students, and lush gardens maintained by staff and students. These resources are useful to students, as they provide a way to take a step away from what can be an overwhelming environment and into a calmer state of mind. For others, it means more than just entering a better state of mind; Environmental Sci

One of the tables provided at the mental health fair encourages students to reflect, take resources, and engage in conversations about well-being on campus. (Photo courtesy of Max Ketterman). Stress and college are an unfortunate pair that is a part of all college students' lives. Some people do not know how to cope with the stress and are not aware of the resources on a college campus. But this mental health fair is a great start to bettering your mental health. I attended

Graphic courtesy of https://www.lgbtqandall.com/trauma-responses-part-3-freeze-response/. College students having mental health issues do not always get the help they need. They tend to get scared or freeze up when talking about it with someone. No matter what the age, people should be open to talking about this topic because it will benefit them. Dylan Colussi is a sophomore here at Oakland University. He knows about the stress that college and becoming an adult can bring. B

More than 60% of college students fit to at least have one mental health problem according to the National Education Association (NEA). For a college student, keeping up with your mental health can be hard. Between the rough transitional periods, constant academic pressure, the weight of financial stress, it's no wonder why so many students feel overworked and strained. The brain is the most important organ in the human body because it is our body's main center where it contr

Lillian Frias attacks at the net against Northern Kentucky at the OU Credit Union O’rena. (Photo courtesy of Ceejee Round, used with permission.) The gym is filled with noise, but for one Oakland University volleyball player, the loudest sound isn't the fans or the whistle blowing, it's her own mind. Moments before warmups, she stands still, trying to settle her thoughts. To her teammates, she looks focused and ready, making jokes and laughing with her teammates who are also

Sports are notoriously known for bringing people together and fostering a sense of community for both the viewers and athletes. But there is a side to athletics that is just behind the curtain, waiting for someone to pull it back. According to Within Health, an astounding 84% of college athletes have engaged in disordered patterns of eating or weight control behaviors. Graphic by Bridget Clerkin. Courtesy of Within Health. The countless meals spent alone to hide unhealthy eat

Depression and anxiety are the leading mental health conditions within the community of collegiate athletes, with up to 50% of athletes reporting symptoms. Frequently, injuries serve as the catalyst for these issues to emerge. The habitual routine within athletics creates a safe space for athletes. When any constant in your life is abruptly removed, the mental adjustment isn’t easy. For athletes, that constant usually happens to be something that your entire self-worth is tie

Romantic relationships can play a significant role in college students’ mental health, influencing everything from stress levels to self-esteem. At Oakland University, where many students balance academics, work and personal growth, relationships can either support well-being or contribute to emotional strain. On social media, romantic relationships are often portrayed as effortless and consistently fulfilling. Posts highlighting anniversaries, gifts and shared experiences ca

As academic pressure, social comparison and personal transitions intensify during college, mental health support has become an essential resource for students at Oakland University. Nearly 60% of college students reported experiencing overwhelming anxiety in the past year, according to the American College Health Association. Students often face challenges related to identity, self-esteem and belonging while balancing coursework, finances and relationships. These pressures ca

Members of Mission Kindness pose in front of the giveaway table in the Oakland Center at Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, Thursday, March 19, 2026. This marks the second Mental Health Fair held at Oakland University. (Photo courtesy of Lori Zieman.) Mental health advocacy is on the rise with Oakland University students. On March 19th, 2026 Mission Kindness at Oakland University hosted a Mental Health Fair to spread awareness to the cause on campus. Mission Kindness is