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

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,

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

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

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

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