Is Second Semester Syndrome Real?
Start writing a post
Student Life

Is Second Semester Syndrome Real?

Don't get too comfortable.

119
Is Second Semester Syndrome Real?
Pixabay

Whenever we start something new, we want to try our hardest, be the best, and strive to get the most out of our experiences.

Then comes the "getting used to it" part. When we've been experiencing something for long enough, it becomes routine, expected, and ordinary. Of course, it also brings comfort and familiarity.

For most people, the first semester of college brings excitement and experiences unparalleled to any other semester. For many people, the first semester of college marks the start of the friendships they will keep for the next few years. For some people, the first semester of college marks the most partying and social activity they'll experience in all four years.

Then comes the rest of it.

Once people have found their niche, and carved out their own little comfortable place in the campus community, it is very easy---and tempting---to stay there. Perhaps during a person's first fall semester, they tried out multiple clubs, met many new people, and figured out which ones stuck with them. They decided not to give the other clubs, the other activities, and the other people a second chance because now they belong somewhere.

Belonging somewhere is extremely important. It gives you a sense of structure, a sense of self, and a sense of community, all of which are important for psychological and social well-being.

However, belonging somewhere can be pretty limiting.

When everyone is new and nobody is connected, it is very easy to reach out and establish those connections, because it is what everyone is doing. Once you become connected, however, there suddenly isn't as much of a need to reach out.

It's important to remember, however, that although you may not be "new" and the people around you may not be "new," they are still new to you.

You have no idea how valuable people can become to you, and how valuable you can be to other people unless you make an effort. Also, you may realize that you have developed an interest in something that used to bore you before, because you are giving it a chance.

College gives you more than enough opportunity to practice spontaneity. Think about it. In high school you spent a whole academic year in the same class with the same people. In college, there's new people and new subjects every semester.

It seems to me that there's many more excuses for jumping out of your comfort zone, rather than staying in it. Once that initiative is taken, it ends up giving you so much more: a wealth of connections and experiences.

So go out! Join that club. Talk to a new person. Try a new passion project. Live life to the fullest.

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

19428
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.

947419
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.

123926
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
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments