TRANSITION TO COLLEGE – EMOTIONS 101
Transition to college can be quite stressful. It requires you to become an adult. Or at least to know how to act like one. Perhaps for the first time in your life, you’ll have to take on responsibility for your actions. Setting priorities and narrowing down your circle of friends can be challenging. You will get a more realistic and practical approach to life.
Facing the change and challenges of living alone or with a roommate is difficult. Setting up your daily routine can be such a burden when you’re just making a transition from high school to college. Balancing out class attendance, studying, chores, social life, and extracurricular activities. It can all seem impossible at first. However, all the changes that occur during this transition to college are normal. It takes time to adjust to this new environment and lifestyle.
Transition to college can be very stressful, but be prepared and do not let the feeling of anxiety to overwhelm you.
Transition to College – What to Expect Upon Arrival
Once you move to college, you’ll face numerous changes. First of all, you’ll be living in a dorm with a roommate, or alone in a house. You will have to wake up by yourself. There will be no parents to make you breakfast. Nobody will remind you to eat a healthy meal instead of eating at McDonald’s’. Also, to brush your teeth or do your daily exercise. As much as this may seem fun and freeing, it is not. No one will remind you to bring your books or do your homework, as well. That part is not as amusing. Transitioning to college can be a stressful and lonely time for a while. However, you can prepare for what’s coming and be ready to recognize certain alarming situations when they occur in order to deal with it in the best possible manner.
You will have to learn how to live without parents, but with a roommate and other college kids. You’ll change a city, perhaps even a state. Everything will be different from high school. But, it is not the reason to be intimidated by adapting to college. This shift that occurs after moving to university is only a new chapter of your life. It is a step closer towards a person that you will be some day – a business professional, one day a parent, and overall an adult. The time spent in college will shape you as a person. It gives you the strength necessary to carry the weight of the world. College prepares you to be a successful someone in this world.
So, do not look at this time as merely a scary transition from high school to college. It is a big life lesson and a way for you to attain your goals. These are the years of exploring and getting to know oneself.
Emotional Challenges Of Adjusting To College Life
Studies show that around 27 percent of college kids in US experience some type of mental health problem. Some experience anxiety disorder or depression after a first few months or even weeks of adjusting to college life. However, you do not have to be one of them. It is true that you will be separated from your parents, probably for the first time. The leap from high school to college isn’t the easiest thing in the world. However, you can adapt, grow and make college a time to remember without experiencing any of the above-mentioned difficulties.
Be Prepared And Know Which Feelings You Might Be Having
Once you enter your “new home” for the next four years, everything will be new. You might feel some discomfort, melancholy, stress or anxiety from time to time. However, there are always people who can help you. Do not carry this burden on your own. Talk about it.
Separation anxiety or homesickness can kick in when still adapting to college life.
Being Homesick Is a Part of The Transition
In spite of what other kids might tell you, it is perfectly fine to feel homesick. You will miss your parents, siblings, and friends. Fitting in into this new surroundings might make you feel outcast or out of place. There is a college counselor that you can talk to about any issue that you may be facing. He or she can give you advice. You can reach out to this person even if you’re only looking for a friendly face in the crowd. Feel free to talk to them when are feeling down. Also, other fellow students, your roommates or your parents can be a great support. Remember, your peers are going through the exact same things you are. Be open and feel free to share your fears and concerns. Always share only with people whom you feel comfortable talking to.
Staying Out of Bad Company
College means lack of parental supervision. You will be exposed to more people or get invited to parties. You do not have to be comfortable with this. And, it is not true that you should party your way through college. Having fun with friends occasionally will not do you harm. However, college classes and teachers will require your full attention and dedication. Be sure not to overdo the partying and save energy for some more important things. There is nothing wrong with studying harder in the first semester until you get on track. You’ll set yourself a spot in the eyes of professors. Throughout college, you do have a reputation to build. Certainly, you don’t want it to be the one of a reveler.
Transition to College: A Young professional
College is the place to build first business and personal contacts that might last your whole life. Feel free to get to know your professors and peers. They might be just the people to help you land your first job or an internship. So, in spite of this transitional period in your life and all the challenges that it may bring, beware of the reputation you have to build and maintain.
Making New Friends
Another difficulty that transition to college may bring is living with a roommate. The two of you might “click” just fine, turning out to be best friends. However, you might also be forced to deal with a difficult college roommate. Both things are normal and the more people you meet, the better social skills you’ll gain. Feel free to let your roommate know what is bothering you, politely. He or she should be willing to make changes to their behavior. You should never let the other person harass you. Both of you should be entitled to the exact same rights in that dorm room.
Handling Emotions – Making Your Transition to College Easier
Transition to college can be a lot easier if you do things properly in the very beginning. Get to know your school and the resources it offers. Many universities have health centers, seminars, tech support centers etc. Beware of that. Then, you’ll know where to go, or whom to talk to. That is if you happen to need assistance later on. Each university will have plenty of social clubs that you can join. There, you might find people with similar interests to yours. The first few acquaintances that can later turn into friendships. This can make the time of initial adjustment to college less lonely and more exciting.
Life With a College Roommate
There is also a variety of types of student accommodation available, so make sure to choose the one that fits your personality. Sometimes it is better to live with a roommate instead of living alone. You’ll meet people and get on board quickly. You can also decorate your new place or dorm, after moving to college and make it feel more like home. After all, this will be your home for the next four years.
Another difficulty that transition to college may bring is living with a roommate or by yourself for the first time.
Identity Crises Resulting From a Transition to College
Being thrust into college can force you to consider some complicated question. Those may be about your family background or your race. Ethnicity, economic upbringing or gender identity are difficult to understand. Even for adults. Do not let it overwhelm you. Try not to compare yourself to others. Set your own path to follow. Do not try and blend in with your environment at any cost. Feel free to be who you are. Do not let anyone diminish your self-worth. You do not need to know who you are or what you like right away. The identity crises can be a completely normal reaction to moving away for college.
Exploring One’s Personality While Adjusting to College Life
University is just the time to discover the real you. Your interests, desires or attitudes towards a variety of things. Transition to college is not just about studying. Feel free to explore and see what makes you tick. You’ll have entire four years to find your place in the world. Whatever obstacles you face during a transition to college, it can all be dealt with. There is always a solution to every problem. You are never alone. Look at all those kids around you who are struggling to settle in this new environment, just as yourself.
Always keep in mind that this is a way for you to start some new chapter in your life. You’ll meet new friends, explore new things and learn something new about yourself. One of the great things about college is that it’s a fresh start for everyone. Regardless of your performance throughout high school. College gives you a new opportunity to set yourself apart from other students and become a high achiever. The times of adapting to university life may be burdensome. However, you’ll also experience many joyful and exciting things, to remember your entire life.
Moving away For College is Not The End of The World
A few things you need to know before you embark on a journey called university life:
- Transition to college is hard. Embrace it!
- Seek for help whenever having a hard time getting used to university life.
- College doesn’t last forever – make the best of it.
- College is the best place for personal development so get out of your comfort zone!
- Be open to other students and their imperfections and uniqueness.
- You’ll have four years in college. You don’t have to have “all” of it in your first semester.