Here we are, spring semester 2017. For some, we are returning from a long winter break, and others are starting college at a new school or for the first time. With this I felt like I needed to reiterate: give it two weeks.
In my original article, Give It Two Weeks, I talked about how the stress of finding your way around school and finding people to spend time with will eventually fade away--or it will at least get easier to handle. So here I am again telling you that it’s going to be okay.
Now I myself have a difficult time believing this; but, if my mom tells me I’m going to be “cruising” in two weeks, I should probably give that thought a chance. We are all getting adjusted to new classes, new living situations, new people around us. It takes some time to adjust, but I can assure you, and myself, that in two weeks, it will be fine.
Within two weeks, you will know how your classes work, where they are, who your professors are, how to contact them, and whether or not the class will be difficult. You will have met some new people by that time, or you will have reconnected with friends you dearly missed over break--or you’ll have met a bunch of new friends and acquaintances at your new school and you’re getting to know a new campus.
It takes time to adjust, but you will get used to it and you will get into the swing of things. You are all capable of this, and you are all here for a reason. It’s okay to make mistakes and it’s okay to get lost. You don’t need to know what you’re doing 100% of the time because let’s face it: nobody does.
Remember to call your parents. They want to know how you’re doing and they care about you. Learn about resources on campus if you’re new and make sure to get out there. It’s really easy for me to hide in my room, but just getting outside (or into a different building because it’s winter and hiking is not an option right now) is great. Get yourself organized. Have a study space set up or a study location and be sure you have a planner.
Find people who are interested in the same things you are, and strike up some conversations. Smile at strangers and don't be afraid to get yourself out there. I was fortunate enough to find a good group of friends quickly, but I know that's not the case for everyone. However, you will eventually find your place and find people you enjoy being around. I promise you that.
It all seems overwhelming right now, but give it two weeks (again) and you will be fine. It won't all be perfect, and it won't all be easy. But, you will find your place, you will adjust, and you will be okay.
