Handling the Unexpected

The unexpected in college is to be, well, expected. Life for most students involves juggling academics, finances, family, health, and many other things. So how should a college student handle the unexpected when it inevitably arises?

Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

1. Tap into university resources as soon as possible. This may be the campus health center, the counseling center, academic support services, the financial aid office, your residence hall staff, the dean of students office, your professor(s), or anywhere else on campus that offers student support services. Regardless of your situation, however, there is undoubtedly somewhere on campus who can help connect you to the support you need. Figure out where that office is and head there -- stat.
2. Figure out your options. When something unexpected pops up, most people want to know the solution right away. Take a moment, however, to explore all of your options. What are your options if the situation doesn't change? What are your options if the situation changes a little but doesn't go back to how things were? What are your options if the situation resolves itself? Knowing your options in all three scenarios can help you figure out what to do next in addition to removing the stress of the unknown.
3. Prioritize and ask for help as much as possible. Reorganizing your priorities when the unexpected arises can be a great way to feel more in control of your situation and to get a better handle on things. Having an unexpected illness, financial situation, or family issue often means that things will need to be rearranged in your life, even if only temporarily. Spend a few quiet minutes with yourself and prioritize the things in your life in a way that still provides you with what you need without adding additional -- and unnecessary -- stress.

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Dealing with the Unexpected

My goodness, readers! I do apologize. I don't think I've ever gone this long without blogging. I'll spare you the details, but I've been dealing with some unexpected family illness which has kept me away from my usual work routine.

Unfortunately, even in college, "life" just happens sometimes and you all of a sudden need a little help just sticking to your regular schedule and responsibilities. So what's a college student to do?

Check out -- and consider bookmarking -- the following "just in case" articles. That way, when the unexpected happens, you'll at least know what your options are.

• How to Handle the Unexpected in College
• 3 Steps to Take If You Get Sick in College
• 5 Places to Find Money for College in an Emergency
• How to Help a Friend in Need in College

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Planning for the Unexpected

My uncle passed away yesterday. And while times like this are hard, they are made even harder when you're separated from family.

As readers of this site know, I get frustrated when the mass media claim that college students don't have to deal with "the real world." Students deal all the times with major life challenges and events, whether it be tight finances because of the economy or the unexpected passing of a relative.

So what can you do when the unexpected happens? Because, realistically, during your 4 or 5 years in school, the unexpected is going to happen. Before you head off to school this year, make sure you have the following in place:

• Emergency phone numbers located somewhere other than your cell phone (consider an online contacts-management program or even something through your email).
• A family member your parents and you can contact if you can't reach each other for some reason.
• A plan on what to do if your cell phone gets lost or stolen.
• Many schools offer an emergency website that people can go to if something happens. Make sure your parents -- and you -- have this URL accessible.
• General knowledge of what resource you can use to get home (or somewhere else) if there's a family emergency.

RIP, Uncle Mort. You will be missed!

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