The transition from high school to university life often poses unique challenges for new students. Not only must they adapt to a different learning system and higher academic demands, but they are also confronted with changes in their social environment, the pressure of expectations, and even personal identity crises. Amidst this complexity, mental health emerges as a crucial aspect that requires serious attention.

Understanding this, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), through the Student Counseling Body (BKM), organized a webinar titled “ADJUSTING TO UNIVERSITY LIFE: From a Mental Health Perspective” on Monday (September 1, 2025).

This event was designed to equip new FMIPA UI students with knowledge and strategies to navigate campus dynamics in a healthy, adaptive, and resilient manner. The webinar was also part of the UI Geoscience Seminar (UI GS) series, which is regularly held every week as a platform for student education and personal development.

Held online via Zoom Meeting, the event took place from 1:00 to 2:40 PM (WIB) and featured Nina Marliyana, M.Si., a counselor from BKM FMIPA UI, as the speaker. The webinar was attended by dozens of new FMIPA UI students from various departments.

In her presentation, Nina emphasized that the adaptation phase at university is a normal yet crucial stage, as it touches on various aspects of a student’s life—from cognitive abilities and academic readiness to emotional balance, social skills, and managing a new environment.

“Good self-adjustment is the foundation for maintaining life balance. It is not only about grades and academic achievements but also about how students can face the challenges of campus life with resilience and maintain their mental well-being,” Nina explained.

The webinar was also designed as a reflective space for participants. In the interactive session, students were encouraged to revisit their motivations and goals for pursuing higher education. Nina introduced the SMART Goals approach (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) as a framework for formulating academic and personal targets that are more focused, realistic, and measurable.

Furthermore, Nina also emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging to their study program and faculty.

“A sense of pride, gratitude, and commitment to your identity as part of the Geoscience and FMIPA UI family can serve as an important source of strength, motivation, and social support throughout your academic journey,” she said.

The Q&A session was dynamic, with participants openly sharing various challenges they faced, such as academic pressure, anxiety about the future, difficulties in time management, and obstacles in building social relationships. The discussion became a highly valuable moment as it created an honest, safe, and supportive space for dialogue among students as well as with the counselor.

Closing the event, Ayunda Aulia Valencia, M.T., as the moderator, reaffirmed that BKM FMIPA UI is present as a safe and accessible space for all students who need psychological support and guidance throughout their studies.

“BKM FMIPA UI is here to support students’ mental health and personal development. We provide counseling services that can be easily accessed through the link s.id/PendaftaranBKM,” she said.

The event concluded with a virtual documentation session involving all participants and the speaker, marking the end of a program that was not only informative but also inspiring — an initial step toward fostering a mentally and emotionally healthier campus environment for the entire FMIPA UI academic community.