Freshman In college mentally struggling - Please help

Current undergrad at large northeast state-school UMASS/URI/UMAINE and Im just genuinely struggling mentally. I managed to get a 4.0 my first semester and it required constant studying which definitely sacrificed some friendships, Rowing has been a big part of college for me so far. Adjusting to the sleep schedule and work load of being on a college team has been tough but the friends of made out of it really have made it worth it. Between keeping a 4.0, rowing and the gym I am really just overloading myself and Im not sure what to do. I just feel so burnt out and everything is getting very stressful. I started a medication recently called accutane which is known for causing depression. I wouldn't say Im depressed but im just feeling very unmotivated and lazy out of no where and its just really starting to affect my mental state. In addition to all of this I havent found a girlfriend, it seems as if every-girl I get with just wants to hookup which is frustrating because I really just want someone I can love and talk to about anything everyday. Sorry for the rant I just really pressure myself and worry that if my GPA isn't extremely high my dreams of working anywhere in finance are ruined.

8 Comments
 

Are you sure you need accutane given it is for acne and you say you manage to hookup? See if you can skip taking it if you think it is causing depression or talk to your doc. Your GPA is solid and the rowing will help too, when you start applying for internships.

 

Acne doesn't really impact my social life however mentally it really just makes me self conscious and I would rather it be gone than go into my summer internship with it. Mine is pretty bad and it wasn't really changing so accutane was kind of necessary. Honestly expecting a 3.4-3.5 this semester, my school is weird where alot of the harder classes are freshman year. Im hoping after im done with this medication things will get better. Next year course load is much easier and I plan on taking a few summer courses which should help me get my cumulative to a 3.8-3.9 (hopefully) 

 

Most common GPA ask is a minimum of 3.0 or 3.2, with a few at 3.5. So you should be fine with your current GPA, and even better placed when you get it back up.

 

I think you must have a rest. You already feel depressed, and I know that it can lead to awful consequences. The number of college students who uffer from depression and commint suicide because of it is huge and I don't want yo to join their ranks.It's awful.

 

Not on scholarship but its something I enjoy. Winter training is really whats killing me though 4am wake ups with two high intensity workouts a day. Half the team vommits or faints almost every practice. 

 
Most Helpful

As a fellow college student who is very involved I can say that it is being heavily involved while trying to maintain grades and a social life is very difficult. The best tips I can provide are to properly manage your time and get yourself on a routine schedule. Additionally, I wouldn't worry too much about maintaining a 4.0, the moment I lost mine I was devastated but then I realized I didn't need an A in every class which freed up time from studying to go to the gym, focus on personal and mental growth, and be more relaxed overall. As for the female situation unfortunately hookup culture is what college has become and its difficult to find people that are looking for a relationship, also remember this is only your second semester and everything comes in due time. Overall I think the best solution is to find a solid friend group that supports you and not worry too much about that 4.0. College is supposed to be the time of your life, HAVE FUN!

 

Occaecati excepturi est doloremque est consequuntur enim tenetur. Dolorem ducimus illo ea recusandae. Sequi doloremque in non error.

Totam dolor corrupti qui. Ut dolorum voluptatum qui eaque sunt enim. Molestiae illo eligendi sint eaque asperiores sed eveniet. Et esse cum qui nam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”