Student Life And The Burden Of University Assignments

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UNIVERSITY life is often depicted as a period of self-discovery, intellectual growth, and exploration. However, for many students, this time is overshadowed by an overwhelming sense of academic pressure, especially due to the mounting burden of assignments.
As academic institutions evolve, so too do the expectations that are placed on students.
With a growing emphasis on continuous assessment and the increasing complexity of coursework, students today find themselves juggling multiple assignments, often leading to stress, burnout, and mental health issues.
The strain of managing academic responsibilities, coupled with extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social life, can have profound effects on students’ well-being.
The growing burden
The issue of assignment overload has become more pronounced in recent years. Students, especially those in higher education, face an ever-growing list of assignments, projects, and papers, all of which contribute significantly to their final grades.
This intense pressure can lead to a range of problems, from sleep deprivation and anxiety to a general feeling of being overwhelmed.
A 2022 survey in Singapore reported that almost 90% of undergraduates cited work and study commitments as their greatest source of stress.
(Image: Shutterstock)Research generally indicates that academic stress is a major concern for students, often linked to their workload. This is not surprising, since the need to keep up with deadlines, while simultaneously producing high-quality work, can make the university experience less about learning and more about surviving the academic grind.
The constant race to meet deadlines and achieve high grades often leaves students with little time to engage in extracurricular activities, pursue personal interests, or even relax and unwind. As a result, students are at risk of burning out, which can have long-term effects on their academic performance, mental health, and overall quality of life.
Research on the topic of assignment burden and student well-being has been growing in recent years, shedding light on the underlying causes of stress and offering potential solutions.
One area of focus has been the relationship between assignment load and student performance.
Studies suggest that there is a fine balance between having enough assignments to stimulate learning and overwhelming students with too many tasks that ultimately diminish their ability to learn effectively.
Researchers are exploring various strategies to address the assignment burden, such as time management techniques, curriculum redesign, and improved academic support services.
For example, some universities are adopting more flexible deadlines or reducing the number of assessments required for students to pass a course. This approach allows students more time to engage with the material and produce thoughtful, well-researched work, instead of hastily completing tasks just to meet deadlines.
Additionally, universities are increasingly recognising the importance of student mental health and are providing more resources to support students dealing with stress.
Counselling services, mental health workshops, and peer support networks are being implemented to help students cope with academic pressure. These initiatives are important in creating a university environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
(Image: Getty Images)On a broader scale, research has also explored the role of technology in easing assignment-related stress.
Online learning platforms, automated grading systems, and AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek are becoming common resources to help students streamline their workflow.
By providing instant feedback and guidance, these technologies allow students to learn at their own pace and gain insights into their assignments without the added pressure of waiting for instructor feedback.
Understanding balance
For students currently facing the pressures of university life, it’s important to recognise that you are not alone in this struggle. The growing workload and increasing demands are felt by many, and it’s okay to seek support when needed.
Be proactive in managing your time and prioritize self-care. Remember, academic success is not just about completing assignments but also about understanding and retaining the knowledge that will shape your future.
To educators and academic institutions, it is essential to continue exploring ways to create more balanced and supportive learning environments.
While assignments are integral to the learning process, finding the right balance can ensure that students are not sacrificing their mental health in the pursuit of academic achievement.
Finally, to all readers—whether you’re a student, educator, or researcher—remember that student well-being should always be a priority.
Through research, thoughtful interventions, and collective effort, we can create an academic environment where students feel supported, valued, and capable of reaching their full potential without the constant burden of overwhelming assignments.
The author is a student at Universiti Malaya.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT. 
- Focus Malaysia.

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