Being in STEM means that you are studying either Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. Did you know that there are over 8000 undergraduate STEM students here at UCSB?!?!?
 
Although STEM students encompass a broad range of majors, their often share some similar experiences. They find themselves juggling classes, labs, work, volunteering, extracurricular activities, and more. Such a rigorous schedule can lead to practices such as self-care and getting enough sleep going out the window. Check out the articles below to read about the challenges that STEM students face and learn how to draw on your strengths to tackle them!
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers Student Athlete Experience: I have no time!! 
#whatisselfcare #whatissleep #StudentAthlete 
#UCSB #WeGauchoBack

Time Management

​Student athletes have extremely busy schedules, often encompassing morning workouts, physical therapy, practice, and traveling for games. These items are in conjunction to the already busy schedules college students deal with like going to class, studying, and attending office hours. Because of this it is not uncommon for student athletes to feel overwhelmed especially when trying to have a social life. This can also get in the way of student athletes receiving help for mental health issues. Which can lead to more stress and anxiety.

Social Life as a Student Athlete

Student athletes are not just machines that go to practice, go to school and then go to sleep. They are young adults and want to also have fun and enjoy their relationships. This can be difficult for multiple reasons. The obvious reason can be time. Student athletes can sometimes feel they do not have enough time to have a social life. Student athletes also find it hard to maintain relationships because they are not as available. Finally student athletes sometimes feel they are different from those who do not play a sport. 
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers Student Athelete Experience: Feels impossible IGotThis #GottaMakeDo #StudentAthletesGottaStickTogether #WeGauchoBack #StudentAthleteExperience #UCSB
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers I don't just get handed money, I have bills, rent, and tuition too; plus it's hard to work, train for sports, go to classes, and study. #ShowMeTheMoney
#BillsBillsBills #NoFullRideForEveryAthlete #WeGauchoBack
#StudentAthleteExperience #UCSB​

Money
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I got 99 problems and Money is NUMBER ONE

It is a myth that because most student athletes receive some type of scholarship that they do not deal with financial struggles. It is actually quite the opposite. Only 2% of all student athletes in the NCAA receive full scholarships. Others receive partial aid, and some receive none. Even those who are on scholarship deal with financial struggles because they are unable to work with their busy schedules. Often times student athletes, who require a dedicated nutrition schedule, go hungry.

Managing different identities

Student athletes have the task of balancing multiple versions of themselves at once. They’re expected to be dedicated students, fierce competitive athletes, and young sociable adults. Each of these identities requires a lot of attention as it is. It can almost seem impossible to balance them all at once.
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers I am more than just an athlete.
​#MentalHealthsupport #HealthyMindHealthyBody #HolisticHealth #MoreThanAnAthlete #WeGauchoBack #StudentAthleteExperience #UCSB
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers
​Who needs a gym when you carry a full course load (literally)? #MyHandHurts #MyBrainHurts #UpperDivOverload #CollegeGotMeLike #StudentAthleteExperience #UCSB

Other Extracurricular Activities

Because student athletes have no time it can be tough to participate in things like research and internships. Many students are participating in these activities and preparing themselves to have a job after college by building their resume. Student athletes also find it difficult to translate their experiences being a student athlete to a resume.

Visit the Transfer Center!

Come check out the UCSB Transfer Student Center on the first floor of the library! It’s a place for transfers to build community and learn about available campus resources. In fact, Academic Advising, EOP, Career Services, and the Mental Health Peers hold dedicated hours there to serve the unique needs of transfer students!
@UCSB Mental Health Peers Transfer Experience:
​Come visit the #UCSBTSC! #ComeMeetOtherTransfers! #ThereAreMoreOfUsOutThere #TransferExperience #UCSB