Managing Academic Stress and Time Management

The Department of Computer Science and the Department of Statistics & Data Science, School of Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organized an insightful session on “Managing Academic Stress and Time Management” for first-year undergraduate students on 8 September 2026 at the Auditorium, Central Block. The session was conducted by Dr. Padmakumari P, Professor, Department of Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore Central Campus.

Beginning university life is an important transition for students. Moving into a new environment, meeting new people, adapting to different academic expectations, and taking greater responsibility for one’s schedule can bring both excitement and uncertainty. Recognizing these challenges, the session focused on helping students understand and manage the thoughts, emotions, and pressures associated with starting a new phase of life.

Dr. Padmakumari engaged the students through a series of interactive and reflective activities. One of the activities, “My Stress Triggers,” encouraged students to identify and reflect on the situations, thoughts, or responsibilities that contribute to their stress. This activity helped students recognize that stress can have different sources for different individuals and that identifying these triggers is an important first step towards managing them.

The session also introduced students to the concept of what they can control and what they cannot control. Students were encouraged to distinguish between situations within their influence and those beyond their control. This discussion highlighted the importance of directing one’s energy towards constructive actions rather than becoming overwhelmed by circumstances that cannot be changed.

Another important aspect of the session was the Urgent–Important Matrix, which introduced students to a practical approach to prioritizing their academic and personal responsibilities. By understanding the difference between urgent and important tasks, students could develop a more organized approach to managing assignments, deadlines, examinations, and other commitments.

The discussion also emphasized that adapting to university life is a gradual process. Students were encouraged to be patient with themselves, avoid unnecessary comparisons, and understand that feeling uncertain or pressured during a new beginning can be part of the adjustment process. Effective time management, self-awareness, prioritization, and maintaining a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal well-being were highlighted as important skills for university life.

The interactive nature of the session encouraged student participation, reflection, and meaningful engagement. Rather than viewing stress solely as an academic challenge, students were encouraged to understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, responsibilities, and everyday choices.

The session served as a valuable platform for first-year students to reflect on their transition to university and learn practical strategies for navigating this new phase. It reinforced the message that successful university life involves not only academic achievement but also emotional well-being, self-management, adaptability, and personal growth. The session encouraged students to build healthier routines and habits.

Overall, the session equipped students with greater awareness and practical tools to approach academic responsibilities with better planning, manage stress constructively, and navigate their university journey with greater confidence and balance.