Dealing With Homesickness and Stress During 1st Year
Start writing a post
Student Life

I'm Learning How To Cope And Maintain My Happiness Despite Being In College And Away From Family

Dealing with feeling lost in college, wanting to go home frequently, keeping communication with your parents, being honest with yourself, and the ins and outs of your first year of college!

1263
I'm Learning How To Cope And Maintain My Happiness Despite Being In College And Away From Family
Jaya Bhardwaj

It's hard to believe that I'm almost done with my second year of college because it feels like it was just yesterday when I was packing everything up and moving into my freshman dorm room. Life has changed so much since the fall of 2017, with a mix of both fun and difficult times. I live in Greensboro, so I'm not too far from Elon. I'm a very family oriented person, so being relatively close to home was important to me when I was deciding what university I wanted to attend.

My first year was very difficult for me. I felt lost, I didn't think I fit in at Elon, and as a result, I went home quite frequently. I felt a sense of comfort and happiness at my own home - something that was missing from my experience at Elon. I felt embarrassed about going home so much, but I soon learned that it is not something to be ashamed of. Your experience cannot be defined by others. Everyone grows and adapts to certain situations at their own pace. I also think it is important, to be honest with yourself before you're honest with others.

My parents could tell that something was bothering me, but it took me so long to be honest with them because I was struggling to admit to myself that I was going through a hard time. Whenever I finally opened up to them, we had such a productive conversation and they supported my feelings. They comforted me when I needed it the most. I honestly think it's so important to actively communicate with your parents while you're in college. I try and talk to mine every other day for at least 15 minutes. I think maintaining a healthy line of communication, as well as openness and honesty, can only improve your relationship with your parents.

Now back to struggling at college... at the beginning of J-Term last year, I became very close with a girl who lived right across from me on my hall. We did everything together. She gave me excellent advice about Elon and she also told me about her struggles that she went through during her first year. She made Elon start to feel like a home. It was around then, that I truly realized how important patience is. You may not find all of your friends immediately, and that is perfectly okay.

Here we are a year later, and because of her, I am happier than I have ever been, and I have a solid group of friends. The biggest learning experience that I took from my first year of college, is that you have to be patient. You also have to give your school a chance. I gave Elon a chance, and I am at a point in my life now where I feel so independent and happy. I can only see it getting better from here, but I will always be grateful for what I experienced last year because it has gotten me to where I am now.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

41639
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26117
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951400
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

135219
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments