Welcome to Campus Compass – your friendly neighbourhood guide to tackling the rollercoaster ride that is uni life! Whether you’re dealing with a roommate from hell, juggling a chaotic class schedule, or simply trying to figure out where to get the best snacks on campus, we’ve got your back! Think of us as your go-to gurus for all things college-related. From decoding cryptic texts from your situationship to mastering the art of pulling an all-nighter before a test, no topic is off-limits here. Bring on the dilemmas…

My boyfriend says I’m not spending enough time with him. For context, I’m in my final year at Strath and have exams all of April and into May. I’m trying to balance work, uni, my social life, and seeing my family and my boyfriend. I feel like I’m stretching myself too thin. My boyfriend is really mad and says he feels I’m not trying hard enough to make time for him. I appreciate that he feels that way but I literally can’t fit anything else on my plate right now and feel like I can’t even deal with him being mad at the moment. I don’t want us to break up, what should I do?

Listen, it’s your final year, the stakes are high, and the pressures palpable. Exams clouds are on the horizon, demanding your unwavering focus. It’s no wonder you feel stretched thin, and you’re under no obligation to stretch yourself some more. You’re a human being, not a scrunchy, and this is something your boyfriend needs to understand. It may be time to have a sit-down conversation. But I understand that it isn’t going to be an easy one.

Plan a relaxed moment where you and your boyfriend can sit down together, maybe over a cup of coffee or during a quiet evening at home. Take the opportunity to open up and give him a detailed picture of what your final year at Strath is like. Tell him about the sheer busyness you’re juggling – from lectures to assignments to extracurricular commitments. Make it clear that this isn’t just a typical busy period – it’s a crucial time that will shape your academic future and career prospects. Encourage him to ask questions and engage in the conversation so he can truly grasp the magnitude of what you’re dealing with. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure he not only hears about your schedule but truly comprehends the significance of your commitments and the impact they have on your time and energy. If he’s a good boyfriend, he’s going to understand and even try to support you more.

At the same time, make sure you also validate your boyfriend’s feelings. Assure him that his emotions are understood and respected, but emphasise that your current circumstances necessitate a temporary adjustment in your relationship. Reassure him that you’re fully committed to your relationship, even though things are a bit hectic right now. Let him know you’re determined to work through his concerns and find solutions that work for both of you. Maybe even plan something together for the future (a special date, a trip, or something else — only once you’re a little less swamped, of course). That way, you’ll both have something to look forward to after this difficult period!

I’m convinced my flatmate stole my favourite top and is lying about it. We went on a night out a few weeks ago and she asked to borrow my favourite top — she’s always loved it and talked about stealing it as a joke etc. I was planning on wearing it that night so politely said she could borrow it next time. But when we started getting ready I couldn’t find it… I’m so sure she had it last when she was asking for it, but she’s saying she saw ME with it that day. I’m convinced she’s gaslighting me — how do I confront her?

Roommate woes are almost a rite of passage in uni life, aren’t they? I’m not going to lie, I’ve been in this exact situation with a friend. And I understand how frustrating and annoying it can be.

It’s quite possible that this roommate is gaslighting you but, just to be doubly sure — it might be worth taking a step back and recalling any other instances where you might have worn or misplaced the top. Memories can be tricky, especially after a night out. Is it possible that you wore it earlier and forgot about it? If you’re still certain that your flatmate had it last (my bets are on that too, if I’m honest), approach the topic gently, expressing your concern and confusion about the missing top. Avoid accusing her outright, as this might just cause her to double down on her lie. Tell her how much you loved that top and how sad you are that it’s gone missing. Give her a chance to pretend like it was a mistake that the top ended up with her.

However, if she continues to deny it and you still believe she took it, you’ll have to be more assertive and just tell her about your suspicions. This is risky because she’s your roommate and you’re going to have to continue living with this person, which could make things more uncomfortable. If she continues to deny deny deny, then unfortunately, there’s nothing more you can do short of looking through your roommate’s things to find the top yourself — but that may be crossing a moral boundary. If nothing works, your final option may just be to let that top go and hope that karma gets her in the future.

I’m having a crisis about graduating. I feel like I have nothing ahead of me after graduating and absolutely no clue what I want to do. All my friends who did engineering and STEM subjects have internships or jobs lined up but I feel like with my humanities degree I’m so lost with what I want to do. I’m bad with change in general and a lot of my friends are moving away for new jobs or going back to their hometowns and I’m worried about losing them, any advice?

The end of uni life is a difficult time. The change can feel overwhelming, especially if you feel confused about what’s ahead. But trust me, it’s not the end of the world, just the end of uni. While it may feel like time is running out, that you have your whole life ahead of you.

Take a deep breath and remind yourself that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Many people, regardless of their field of study, go through periods of uncertainty after graduation. Your humanities degree has equipped you with valuable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, which are highly sought after. You can take this time to reflect and find out what you truly want. Explore different career paths that align with your interests, values, and strengths. Don’t hesitate to reach out to career counsellors, alumni networks, or professionals in your field for guidance.

As for your friends moving away or returning to their hometowns, it’s natural to feel a sense of loss. But remember that true friendships can withstand distance and change. Especially with today’s technology, it’s easy to stay connected.

Speaking of social media, that may be another reason you’re feeling this way. Everyone seems like they already have everything figured out, but truly, no one does — it just seems like that from what they share on socials. Remember, comparison is the thief of joy. Your journey after graduation is unique to you. Embrace the uncertainty, and don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. The most important thing is to stay true to yourself and keep moving forward, one step at a time. You’ll find your path eventually.

I’m an international student and I’ve been feeling really stressed about finances. I’m finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. Between tuition, rent, groceries, and other expenses, it all feels like too much. I’ve been working a part-time job but what I make never feels like enough. I’m here on a scholarship from another country and I can’t exactly ask my parents for help either. I’m constantly worried about running out of money before the end of the month and not being able to afford the essentials. It’s affecting my ability to focus on my studies.

I totally understand how incredibly tough it must be dealing with all this financial stress as an international student. It’s like navigating a maze blindfolded sometimes, isn’t it? The pressure of juggling studies, and trying to make ends meet in a foreign country can really take its toll. But hang in there, because there are definitely some things you can do to lighten the load.

First off, have you checked out if there are any extra scholarships, grants, or other financial aid options available for international students like you? It’s worth looking into – sometimes there are funds specifically set aside to help students in situations like yours. Next up, taking a good look at your spending habits can make a big difference. Try making a detailed budget to see where your money’s going and where you might be able to cut back a bit. But I know how much costs have risen so don’t beat yourself up if you can’t seem to cut back, it’s not your fault— instead, you can also try and get help from your university’s student services department.

They can be a real lifesaver in times like these. They’ve got all sorts of resources and support available, from financial counselling to help with budgeting, and they might even be able to hook you up with emergency aid if you’re really struggling.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. There are people and resources out there to help you through – there’s no shame in reaching out and asking for financial help when you really need it.