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Academic pressure, isIolation, and identity conflicts on campus
Students who recognize that it is healthy to seek help and reach out to mental health resources offered by their university are at an advantage.
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Sudha Wadhwani - Mon, 18, May 2026
- 15:58 EDT
- 32
Representative Image / Canva
South Asian college students in the U.S. face a range of pressures, academically, socially, and personally. The college years are a time of major transition and change, which can be challenging for many students. Although the adjustment to college can be very stressful, this can be mitigated by buffers and supports that can set students up for success.
Key elements for a successful college experience include the following: (1) a supportive family with open communication to whom they can turn to for support; (2) a major that is a good fit for them; (3) healthy friendships and group memberships; (4) seeking campus resources early on.
Also Read: Navigating higher education: Advice from a professor with seven degrees
South Asian college students are navigating a new phase of life, where they are faced with new challenges and opportunities to explore their identities, grow academically and socially, and broaden their experience of the world. This can feel in conflict with family and cultural pressures to remain close to the family and focus on their studies or stick to majors that lead to greater perceived security even if not a fit for them.
These students can feel torn between two worlds as they juggle their South Asian identity and the American cultural norms of their peers surrounding them. Students who are able to talk about these issues with their parents and families in an open way are best able to manage these academic and social pressures and overcome them with ease.
South Asian college students face particular pressures related to family and cultural expectations. For example, expectations to choose a particular career path, like medicine, engineering, or business. Some students may fit with these pressures. For others, this may not be a fit and lead to additional stress.
It is important to recognize and support their strengths and encourage them to find the career path that is right for them. If they are struggling and not doing well, this can lead to low self-esteem and shame, not wanting to disappoint their parents and family. Choosing a career path and major that is congruent with their strengths will positively impact their mental health and well-being.
More and more, we are seeing South Asians broaden their scope and venture into the arts, music, broadcasting, communications, psychology, and other fields. Setting realistic expectations and allowing them to focus on their strengths will allow them to flourish and thrive, ultimately reaching their full potential.
Students are also navigating new relationships and trying to balance having a healthy social life in college with their studies and family obligations. Those who feel pressure to choose one over the other often have the hardest time. This can be particularly hard for students who commute or go to college close to home.
Students are struggling to juggle their two worlds, not always fitting in with their American peers, and also feeling an obligation and loyalty to their family. They want to belong and be accepted by their peers and can feel torn when pressured or guilt tripped by family to have to choose. Those who are encouraged by their parents and families to engage with their peers do best overall in college.
Students who recognize that it is healthy to seek help and reach out to mental health resources offered by their university are at an advantage. Seeking help early can make a world of difference. Parents and families who help to decrease mental health stigma and instill these messages can help set their students up for success. If they are doing well emotionally and socially, while also feeling supported at home, this will spread to their overall achievement and professional success.
The writer is a NJ Licensed Clinical Psychologist
(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad.)
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