Are you freaking out about starting college? Welcome to the unofficial start of college life. This is a huge life transition for all students, and it can feel overwhelming to take it on all at once. New classes, new people, new environments, and while it is very exciting, it can also feel stressful, which is totally normal! Here are some tips from a college senior, who went out of state to a university with no friends, on how to cope with these massive life transitions and foster a balanced wellbeing!
Living Away From Home For The First Time
Homesickness is real and more common than you think among your peers. The idea of college sounds exciting all summer, but once your parent’s car drives away, it suddenly dawns on you – you’re all alone. I remember when this moment hit me: I was calling my mom about whether I should go to an on-campus event that night, and it finally sank in that my mom was now 900 miles away instead of down the hall.
Top Two Tips:
Call your parents often! I used to call each of my parents four times a day during my first semester. They’ll appreciate hearing from you, and it will make you feel less alone!
Have your next visit with your family planned! Whether they come during Parents Weekend or you take a quick weekend drive home, plan the next date you will see each other before moving to college to make the time apart easier!
Sticking To A Schedule As A Freshman Is Important
College is a huge life transition in general. Your normal routine in high school of classes, lunch, sports, work, homework, repeat, is suddenly gone. You’re now responsible for how you spend 100% of your time. You’ll soon realize that how you spend your time impacts your overall wellbeing, and not having your regular social outlets of sports teams and school clubs can feel jarring and isolating. I found myself with loads of free time freshman year and began to feel isolated from the new friends I was making, until I joined some clubs and fitness classes.
Top Two Tips:
Form new habits! You will learn more about yourself as a young adult in the quiet moments outside of the hustle and bustle. Integrate intentional time to exercise, read, and journal into your schedule.
Take time to adapt! Explore your campus resources and get involved as soon as possible. Many universities offer free or discounted fitness classes, clubs for every interest, and peer mentoring programs!
Learn To Prioritize And Organize Your Workload
Classwork is the least exciting aspect of college, but the most important! This is also a major transition: you are moving from your high school’s system of grading and testing to your university’s system, which comes with learning curves and mistakes along the way. I remember during my first week of my classes I had to submit comments on a discussion board, and I ended up submitting them a week late because I didn’t know how to navigate the website.
Top Two Tips:
Find an organization system that works for you! This can be a physical planner or calendar, or an online spreadsheet or notes app! Create a space to organize your deadlines, meetings, and travels that works for you.
Give your classes time! The general education classes may seem boring, but once you get into your major/concentration classes, coursework gets much more interesting! You will also be able to connect with likeminded peers and professors who may have internship or job opportunities.
College is an incredible life experience, and immersing yourself in your campus environment can help you get connected quicker. It can appear intimidating at first, but as you find your place and your people, it will prove extremely beneficial to your development as a young adult. There will be ups and downs throughout your years, but by staying connected with family, developing healthy habits, and keeping yourself organized, you can maintain your wellbeing and find balance through it all. The biggest piece of advice I have is this: give college time to prove itself to you. Don’t rush into a withdrawal or transfer decision, but give yourself one semester, if not one year, to fully embrace college life and what it has for you.
