College is an entirely new experience and it can take some getting used to especially when you’re trying to learn the delicate balance between a social life and school work. Lots of students adjust quickly and find that college is exactly what they wanted with freedom, fun and a million new friends. For others, it can be a harder adjustment and it’s alright to not feel at home the minute you arrive. Feeling homesick is completely normal and it won’t last forever!

Your parents have been a part of your life for 18 years, so switching from seeing them on a daily basis to only speaking to them on the phone is strange. College forces independence when you’ve become accustomed to relying on parents to do laundry and take care of you when you’re feeling sick. Missing their company or wishing you could see them on a day when you struggled in class is only human. If may feel like you’re the only one feeling this way, but you’re wrong because being away from home the first time is a major adjustment.

It can be weird to have so much time on your hands to do whatever you please and it might be overwhelming at times. As long as you allow yourself to feel a little lost sometimes and acknowledge the fact that being overcome with the stress of this new lifestyle is expected, you’ll get through it. Surround yourself with friends who will help you have a little fun between your schoolwork and don’t be afraid to admit if you’re struggling with the course load for the first little bit.

Don’t feel the need to go out every weekend and act like you don’t care about grades. People won’t think any less of you if you would rather have a night in with Netflix or work on your English paper instead of going to party. Part of adjusting is realizing that you need to make decisions that make you feel happy and comfortable instead of trying to keep up with everyone else. The beauty of college, especially at a place like Delaware, is the freedom to spend time how you want, even if that means spending a night alone just to escape the busyness of dorm life or baking cookies in your communal kitchen with your roommate.

Some of this may seem like common sense, but when you're thrown into this new world, forced to make friends from the moment you step on campus, it can be hard to remember what's important and that all those feelings you're experiencing are totally normal. Just remember to give college a chance, so that you can make the next four years as memorable and enjoyable as possible.