The first week of school.
The mere thought of it in the previous weeks was 'I can't wait to go back. I'm done with being home and work. I want to see my friends again and get this party started!' I know that is how I was feeling by the beginning of August. The summer had its adventures, with hanging out with friends, working, and being at home with family. Days that I wasn't working, I was bored out of my mind! The countdown continued until the day came before I knew it: move-in day. The weekend then flew by in a flash and classes have now begun. Now the scary thought:
It's the first week of classes and the stress has started to already build up. Laughing it off only does so much, right? That does not mean the first week is something to dread. It's not all bad. In fact, there is also fun as well.
Here are reasons why the first week for me (and you as well) is both stressful and fun:
1. Seeing friends again after months is like a family reunion.
If contact was sparse over the summer, then this reunion is special! The friends made the year before have had their space and now it is time to face another year together. As they say, 'Friends who stay together, stick together.'
2. Meeting new people is not for everyone.
Whether an extrovert or introvert, the concept of meeting new people can be fun or awkward. 'What if I fumble my words?' 'What if I forget my name?' 'What am I supposed to say?'
3. Afraid of being late or too early for class.
Your phone or a clock will be your best friend or an enemy. It's strange when you are too early, because very few or none are there. Being late and everyone turns around to stare. Find a happy-medium that will ensure that the time on your phone is on your side.
4. Homework, really?
No one wants to do homework the first week. If the professors don't give any, then they may fall behind in the schedule. Having homework the first week is an idea on how it will be during the course of the semester.
5. Looking ahead at assignments creates more worry and anxiety.
All this work? Don't worry. It may seem stressful now, but it will get better. The professors have this as a guideline, so if you feel so inclined, the work can get done ahead of time. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time in the busy schedule to do homework.
6. Finding clubs to join or reuniting with the previous clubs from last year.
Joining a new club is hard, not knowing if you will keep that commitment. If you were a part of a club last year, join that same club. It will have a different feel to it, with new students . Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to get involved! It is worth it!
7. Eating right on your own without parents commenting on your food choices.
Old enough to make your own food choices, this is hard once school starts. The cookies look delicious, but once eaten, it might amount to more than one. Monitor how you eat, so you can impress your parents.
8. What to do in the spare time during the day?
Occupy yourself in ways you want. Draw, read, write, do homework, go on a walk in the park, go to the gym, watch a movie, talk with friends, watch Netflix, etc. Be wise about what to do in the spare time given.
9. The gym sounds like a wonderful idea, but your motivation doesn't match up.
The struggle is real, knowing it is the healthy thing to do. The school year just started. What time is there? What room is in that busy schedule? Once you get into a routine, find a block of time to dedicate to the gym multiple times a week. Your body will thank you later!
10. Knowing that you made it through last year, you will make it through this year with help from the people around you.
You are not alone. Never forget that! Friends and professors stuck by you the year before and you made it through on top. It's a new day, a new week, a new year. Those same people and even new ones will be by your side no matter what. Go ahead, take a breath, have fun, and stand tall. To the new school year, here I come!
