Applications and nominations for the $100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2025 are open! Global Student Prize Top 10 and top 50 finalists 2021 Play Global Student Prize Top 10 2021 Global Student Prize Top 50 2021

Applications and nominations for the $100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2025 are open! Global Student Prize Chegg.org partnered with the Varkey Foundation to launch a sister award to the Global Teacher Prize in 2021. Now in its fifth year, the award was created as a powerful platform to highlight incredible students who are making a real impact on learning, the lives of their peers, and society beyond. Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2025 Read more Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2024 Read more Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2023 Read more Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2022 Read more Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2021 Read more Who can apply? What are the judging criteria? The prize is open to all students who are at least 16 years old and enrolled in an academic institution or training and skills program. Part-time students and students enrolled in online courses are also eligible for the prize. The prize will be narrowed down to a Top 50 shortlist and Top 10 finalists, to be announced later in the year, helping provide worldwide recognition for high-achieving students. The winner, announced later in the year, will be chosen from the top 10 finalists by the Global Student Prize Academy, made up of prominent individuals. Students applying for the Global Student Prize will be assessed on their academic achievement, impact on their peers, how they make a difference in their community and beyond, how they overcome the odds to achieve, how they demonstrate creativity and innovation, and how they operate as global citizens. Meet the 2024 winner Last year’s winner of the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2024, Ángela Elena Olazarán Laureano, was selected from almost 11,000 nominations and applications from 176 countries around the world. She helped create Ixtlilton, a prize-winning AI-powered virtual medical assistant that can currently diagnose 21 diseases based on a series of questions. Designed with local medics during COVID-19, Ixtlilton aims to assist people living in remote areas or far from medical centers by helping them determine whether they require medical care. Learn more about our winners Global Student Prize Winner 2024 Global Student Prize Winner 2023 Global Student Prize Winner 2022 Global Student Prize Winner 2021 Learn more about our previous finalists Top 10 finalists Play Global Student Prize Top 10 2024 Global Student Prize Top 10 2023 Global Student Prize Top 10 2022 Global Student Prize Top 10 2021 Top 50 finalists Play Global Student Prize Top 50 2024 Global Student Prize Top 50 2023 Global Student Prize Top 50 2022 Global Student Prize Top 50 2021 “Both the Global Student Prize and the Global Teacher Prize were created to highlight the vital role education plays in crafting solutions to humanity’s greatest challenges – from climate change to global health emergencies and growing inequality. Policymakers must always remember the importance of education, and it must be top of their agenda as it is the key to facing the future with confidence.” Sunny Varkey Founder of the Varkey Foundation

Applications and nominations for the $100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2025 are open! Global Student Prize Top 10 and top 50 finalists 2023 Play Global Student Prize Top 10 2023 Global Student Prize Top 50 2023

Applications and nominations for the $100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2025 are open! Global Student Prize Top 10 and top 50 finalists 2022 Play Global Student Prize Top 10 2022 Global Student Prize Top 50 2022

The Latest Student Stories

Stress Management Guide February 20, 2025 Managing stress is an essential part of student life, and we’re here to help. For Student Mental Health Week, our partners at Our Minds Matter have created a comprehensive Stress Management Guide to support you in navigating challenges and maintaining your well-being. This guide breaks down what stress is, explores common causes, and provides practical strategies and tips to help you manage it effectively. Swipe through the guide below in English and Spanish, or download the PDFs linked below to keep these valuable insights at your fingertips. Download the PDF guide here Guide in English Guide in Spanish

The most comprehensive up-to-date survey of the lives, hopes and fears of undergraduate students across 21 countries in the age of COVID and beyond.

Applications and nominations for the $100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2024 are open!

Chegg.org/College Pulse #MyElection 2020 Research Home #MyElection State of the Student International #MyElection: 4 in 10 College Students Believe Joe Biden Can Heal the Country's Divisions November 2020 READ MORE >> #MyElection: Students Find Ways To Stay Politically Active Despite COVID-19 October 2020 READ MORE >> Introducing the My Election College Student Voting Project October 2020 READ MORE >> #MyElection: Students Voted Early to Ensure Their voices Were Heard November 2020 READ MORE >> #MyElection: Concern for America's Future Drives Students to The Polls October 2020 READ MORE >> #MyElection: Voter Suppression & Voter Fraud Worry Students Ahead of the Election November 2020 READ MORE >> 4 in 10 College Students Say The Government is Suppressing Their Votes October 2020 READ MORE >>

State of t he Student Reports Research Home #MyElection State of the Student International Parents on Campus: Challenges for students and faculty November 2021 READ MORE >> COVID-19 and Mental Health: How America’s college and high school students are coping during the pandemic September 2020 READ MORE >> Virtually Isolated: The college experience in an online world July 2020 READ MORE >> Chegg.org Global Student Survey February 2021 READ MORE >> Race & Social Justice On Campus And Beyond: A View From US College Students September 2020 READ MORE >> Dissatisfied , determined, and ready to be heard: The voices of today's American students September 2019 READ MORE >> Hunger and COVID-19: Food Insecurity Amongst US College Students in 2020 December 2020 READ MORE >> No Going Back: How the Class of COVID has embraced online education August 2020 READ MORE >>

How to Navigate Loneliness as a Transfer Student by Vivian Chung February 7, 2024 Switching schools after her freshman year was an overwhelming experience for 21-year-old Miranda Flores, who transferred to the University of North Texas (UNT) from Lone Star Community College (LSC) in September. Flores moved away from her supportive family network in her hometown of The Woodlands and settled in Denton, Texas, about a three-hour drive away, where she didn’t know a soul. Beyond the stress that comes with adapting to a new class structure and workload, Flores worried about her ability to establish a social circle at her new school. “That was one of my fears: I thought about things like ‘what happens if no one truly likes me for who I am?’ and ‘what if I don’t make any friends?'" The challenge of breaking into well-established friend groups on campus is one of a few factors that make transfer students more vulnerable to the stress and anxiety of social isolation, and can cause struggles with mental health . Freshman year can be a critical time to form new connections because everybody’s new and in the same situation post-high school while in their first year on campus. “But for transfer students who are coming in at a time when not everybody is looking for friends, it makes it harder for them because they then really have to go out there and present themselves,” explains Danica Copp , a Virginia-based clinical social worker who specializes in working with college students. “And if you’re already struggling with loneliness and anxiety, the hardest thing is to go put yourself out there.” But what’s hard isn’t impossible — it’s usually worth the effort. Set yourself up before you arrive on campus Flores arrived with a goal to make new friends. During the three months before her move, she began exchanging messages with other transfer students through the UNT Transfer Students page on Instagram. “It’s always nice to have some people in your friend circle who are also transfer students because it just helps that someone else is feeling those same things,” says Flores. The transfer process can be stressful, so having allies while going through it can help. Use the school’s resources — even if they seem trivial You’re not the first transfer student to feel anxious about meeting new people and to experience transfer shock, which is exactly why so many colleges offer events and resources tailored to incoming transfers. (An ice cream social may sound kind of dorky, but free dessert and potential friends are both great things.) Copp suggests attending any orientations or other events your school offers to transfer students. “That’s a really good way to make some connections with other students going through the exact same situation.” Flores echoes the sentiment, noting that dedicated Facebook groups and orientation programs helped her acclimate to the change and start enjoying the college experience. Make yourself visible Your first semester on campus, expand your social circle by joining clubs that interest you. “I’d recommend connecting with whoever’s in charge [of student life organizations], like the student leaders. They’re going to look out for you because they want to grow their club with new students,” Copp says. Pointing yourself out as a transfer student gives these leaders the opportunity to connect you with others who also share your classes or circumstances. Even if you’re not making friends at social gatherings or club meetings right away, the more you go, the more people will see you, which increases your odds of connecting, says Copp. Participating in club meetings also keeps you engaged and out of isolation. Connect with people who like the things you like Markeese King, who moved from Washington, D.C., to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) in Greensboro, joined the choir to make new connections. “NCAT is the largest [historically black college or university] in the country, with almost 14,000 students. At that point, I didn’t even know where to start.” He naturally made connections by introducing himself and subsequently by being introduced to his new choir mates’ friends. Be human Copp says students shouldn’t overlook the old-school way of making friends: simply saying ‘hi’ and introducing yourself. “That’s how conversations start — by being able to use those skills and recognize that nobody’s going to judge. And actually you may shock people, and you may find that you make more friends because they may also be anxious about starting that class.” In times of stress in a new environment, it’s tempting to reach for your cellphone as a security blanket and scroll through Tiktok or laugh at memes on Instagram. But remaining open to connections at your new college is important, and introducing yourself to your classmates, club leaders, and resident assistants, especially in the first couple of weeks of class when everybody’s still relatively free from homework obligations, will boost your chances of building a relationship. Bring a friend-magnet OK, so this tip isn’t exactly possible for everyone, but if you’ve got a furry friend to show off, making new friends will be a whole lot easier. Copp recommends bringing an emotional support animal with you to ease your transition. “I almost think everybody needs an emotional support animal because going away to college is really hard. So bring your cat or bunny with you, if you can.” Alternatively, lean on classmates who have emotional support animals, or look into volunteering at a nearby shelter so you can take a dog for a walk or snuggle with one. “Being with a living being will make you feel less lonely,” explains Copp. Ward off anxiety with tools you know work To prevent yourself from losing your days to stress about your new campus life and feelings of isolation, make the effort to leave your dorm room regularly. “Remember, the more that you feed anxiety with an anxious thought, the bigger the anxiety is going to grow,” cautions Copp. Instead, be productive with the time when you’re worried about feeling lonely, and take action to soothe those thoughts. Besides knocking on a neighbor’s door and introducing yourself, consider leaving your own door open, which invites others to drop in. Most colleges and public universities also offer free counseling services and mentoring should you feel you need them. Copp encourages students who feel stressed and lonely to break out of their comfort zone and make those connections. “College is unlike any other experience in your life because it’s like your trial adulthood. Getting involved in college and meeting people means you could be making lifelong friendships.” ← Previous post Return to Home Next post →

The difference between stress and anxiety by Christine Byrne February 28, 2024 Most of us use the words “stress” and “anxiety” interchangeably, and there is a lot of crossover between the two. The emotional responses can even strike at the same time. But stress and anxiety are two different reactions, and understanding how they diverge might be the thing to help you cope. If the responses you have to either stress or anxiety are preventing you from living your life to the fullest, it’s time to evaluate your coping mechanisms and see if there might be some things you can do to ease the pressure and improve your well-being. Here’s what two psychologists say about the differences between stress and anxiety, as well as how to cope. The difference between stress and anxiety While stress typically has a concrete cause (or causes), the cause of anxiety can be much harder to pinpoint. “Anxiety is defined by persistent, excessive worries that don’t go away even in the absence of a stressor,” says Shagoon Maurya , a psychologist based in Adelaide, Australia. “It can linger on for a long term and may not have identifiable triggers.” In other words, you might feel anxious without knowing exactly why. What makes the distinction a bit confusing is that anxiety is often caused by stress, at least at first. “When stressful thoughts and feelings become chronic, this can mean someone is actually suffering from anxiety or an anxiety disorder, and this is not beneficial,” says Kara Kushnir, a psychotherapist and clinical director at A Work of Heart Counseling . Like stress, some amount of anxiety is normal and nothing to worry about. “If you are experiencing a particularly stressful period of time (i.e. final exams, or a major life change like starting a new job or dealing with an illness) then a higher level of anxiety can be expected,” says Kushnir. As long as that anxiety is more episodic and not impacting daily functioning, the feeling of anxiety itself is not particularly concerning — it just means you're aware that you are going through a difficult or important time and you are concerned about it. Good stress vs bad stress In general, good stress is motivating, while bad stress is limiting. “Good stress, also called eustress, gives us an opportunity to enhance our performance, and inspires us to focus our energy on productivity and growth,” says Maurya. This kind of stress happens when we’re excited or about to undertake something new, and it’s actually an important part of growth and optimal functioning. Bad stress, on the other hand, does the opposite, by making it difficult to get things done. “Bad stress, also called distress, makes us tense and makes it difficult to solve problems,” explains Maurya. This kind of stress response generally happens when external demands like work, school, family and other aspects of life and stressful situations become more than we can handle. Too much of this bad stress over time has a negative impact on both physical and mental health. Common symptoms of stress “Stress is usually short-termed, caused by situational factors and has identifiable triggers,” says Maurya. She explains that physical symptoms of stress include the following: Faster heartbeat Faster breathing Moodiness, irritability, or anger General unhappiness A feeling of being overwhelmed Loneliness Nausea Dizziness Bowel changes Common symptoms of anxiety While stress tends to make you feel overwhelmed, anxiety often comes with a sense of dread. According to Maura, any of the following can be common symptoms of anxiety: Faster heart rate Faster breathing A feeling of unease or dread Sweating Diarrhea or constipation Nervousness Muscle tension Urge to avoid social situations Restlessness When to seek help for stress and anxiety If you’re suffering from an anxiety disorder or high levels of chronic stress, Maurya says that you might experience panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, avoidance and procrastination, and ongoing fatigue. You might also have a hard time concentrating on tasks, because anxious thoughts consume you. “In cases like this, psychotherapy and talk therapy to learn stress reduction techniques as well as challenge anxious thoughts or behavior patterns can prove incredibly beneficial to returning to a healthier amount of stress,” explains Kushnir. Therapy can help you develop coping mechanisms such as breathing exercises, physical activity, and other relaxation techniques, which can can lower your levels of stress. Ultimately, though stress and anxiety are normal parts of daily life, it's also understandable if you’re having trouble dealing with them. While stress is a direct response to something external, anxiety is caused by ongoing stress over time and occurs even when there’s not a specific cause. If either one has become a problem for you, the best thing to do is seek help from a qualified therapist or mental health professional. ← Previous post Return to Home Next post →