Going off to college for the first time brings about a
variety of emotions among freshmen. The range of emotion often starts with
excitement, since most if not all teenagers cannot wait until such time to get
away from their parents. The independence and freedom it affords can be quite
intoxicating. The other perks that freshman year brings about are the
opportunity to meet new people and to stay up late from partying all night
long. However, college life is not all about parties. And, a freshman who is
unable to cope with the changes and work required may crumble from the
pressure.
According to psychology experts, the adjustment period of
most freshmen typically involves a five-stage process. Living on campus is
fascinating for students during their first year away from home. At this point,
the level of excitement is high. However, as time passes and classes get going,
many start to experience severe bouts of homesickness. Quite often, this
feeling of melancholy leads to the third stage of adjustment. At this point, a
freshman may become critical and start finding fault with everything.
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| Adjusting to College: Stockvault |
But in due time, a student will eventually find the humor as
he or she goes through the process. In realizing the funny side of the
situation, a freshman is able to embrace college life for all its positives and
negatives. Consequently, everything falls into place.
Professionals offer the following tips to help freshmen on how to deal with college life
and eventually survive their first year away from home.
1. Be
sure to attend classes. Without any doubt, attendance in class is a must.
Though college may offer a certain degree of freedom, it does not give a
freshman the right to skip class without a justified reason.
2. Get
to class on time. If college should teach young adults anything, it would be
punctuality. Keep in mind that professors do not take kindly to students who
waste their time by coming into class after the lecture has started.
3. Practice
time management. The ability to manage one’s time in college can give a
freshman the advantage necessary to stay on top of the semester. It would be a
good idea to buy an agenda book to jot down schedules. Fortunately, in today’s
technology savvy world, keeping schedules can easily be done with an app
installed on a mobile device.
4. Ask
for help. Though it may be intimidating to approach other people particularly
faculty personnel or staff at a university, they are there to help. Just
remember to ask nicely.
5. Forget
the rat race. College life is not about competing with other students to get
the higher grade. Comparing oneself to others can only lead to feelings of
inferiority that can intensify stress. Rather,
it is best to focus on building one’s own abilities and strengths to help get
through the first year with flying colors.
6. Loneliness
is expected. The sudden awareness of being alone for the first time often hits
many freshmen after a few weeks into the semester. Feelings of isolation often
become worse during exams when the pressure builds up. Remember to seek out
help from friends and to check out resources available to students on campus
like a guidance counselor. Be sure to check the college catalog to be familiar
with the services available to students.
7. Remember
to eat healthy. Avoid the convenience of having fast food meals on a daily
basis. Though these meals are handy for a busy freshman to eat on the go, it
does not provide the necessary nutrients in the long run. Try to learn cooking
a few simple recipes from home. Not only would this be healthy, but it is also
a good way to reconnect with family.
8. Be
smart when socializing. A good way to safely meet others on campus is to join
an organization. Membership also helps boost credentials after college.
9. Stay
positive. Even when the blues hit, it is important to maintain an optimistic
attitude about matters. Wallowing in depression only makes things worse.
College life is meant to be fun and exciting but at the same
time challenging and difficult. Rather than rebuff these emotions it is best to
embrace these with an open mind. Be brave and enjoy the challenge it brings.
By: May Ann
