College students are rushing to get their things packed up this move in day 2017! Freshmen, especially though, are probably nervous. Between the new school, living space, and so many new people, the start of college can be really hard on kids. Here are 5 signs you're anxious about college coming around the corner!
1. Your room looks like your closet died and threw up
Clothes. Everywhere. Toiletries. Cords. The list goes on. You like to be prepared! Next time, though, move in by category. Make a box for each area of the room like bathroom, desk, bed, and closet. Save yourself time on move in day!
2.You're frantically checking your email waiting for updates on financial aid![]()
Most scholarships, grants, and loans are available to use a few weeks before your first day of classes. However, it is possible that some organizations are a little late in the disbursement process (you know who you are). Don't stress! Call your financial aid office and talk to a human being. Be proactive as soon as you have a question or else you'll find yourself scrambling at the last minute with 23 callers ahead of you.
3. You've already purchased your textbooks
Many incoming freshmen order their textbooks way too early. The thinking behind buying books in advance is that you'll have that task out of the way as soon as possible, which is calming to anxious freshmen. One less thing to worry about.
Unless you're in highly specialized, technical classes that require textbooks to learn the material or classes with online homework portals, hold off on ordering books until syllabus week.
It's better to wait because those bricks of knowledge will take up a significant amount of space in your suitcases of move in boxes! Save your back by minimizing the weight as you get to the move in process.
If the anxiety of not having your textbooks is really beating you up, email each of your professors and ask for recommendations on where to buy them. Then you can do your own research to find the best deals once you know the book titles or ISBN.
Another tip is to hop on Facebook and scroll through your university's group. Past students are constantly posting textbooks for sale for a discounted price because they want to get rid of them! Take advantage. Use the CTRL-F shortcut to streamline the process and find your books faster.
4. You're already overbooked before class is even in session
You're taking the most credit hours possible. Maybe you're anxious about getting involved so you signed up to ALL the email lists to get updates about clubs you’re interested in. Be careful! Remember your priority is to focus on school. Get good grades. However, that doesn't mean you should lock yourself in the library. You're going to have a lot more free time to socialize and be involved in the community in college! Take advantage of on campus resources and organizations, but only commit to the activities you're 100% passionate and willing to put in the effort towards.
5. You're worried about making friends
Chances are, there are thousands of students in your prospective graduating class. You're worrying about how you should introduce yourself, what ice breaker fun facts you should memorize before move-in week, and what topics to bring up when you're meeting new people. Stop stressing out. For the most part, people decide whether they like you or not in about 30 seconds. If in that short period of time you can't woo someone, there are hundreds of other kids that you’d get along with better. Don't waste your energy to impress people. Instead, allow your true personality to shine. People are attracted to genuineness.
You're going to be fine! Make lists. Pack effectively. If you forget something, don't sweat it. Buy it once you're there if it's absolutely essential. Keep track of your financial aid. Ask questions. Research before you drop hundreds of dollars on textbooks! Only join clubs that you can put your heart and soul into. Don't try hard for people to like you.
