You’ve been at college for a few weeks now and have had the chance to settle in. I’m guessing the novelty of being away at school for some of you has worn off. It’s now into the grind of the semester with essays, quizzes, tests, and presentations. The roommate situation may also be losing its appeal at this point – you have started noticing habits of your roommate’s that annoy you. You may begin to feel more homesick (especially for your dog). Classes may be harder than you expected. Professors may be tougher than you initially thought. All this new responsibility and you’re not sure how to handle it all because lets face it, it’s a lot to get used to.
I know the first few weeks, even months, can be difficult. I hated Endicott my first semester. I swore I was going to transfer. I called my dad multiple times a day telling him how much I hated it and how I wanted to go home. Mainly, I missed my dogs. For me, that was the biggest adjustment – not having my dogs be around me 24/7 when I was not in school.
You’re going to find certain things are more difficult for you than they are for someone else. Some may struggle with not seeing their parents or siblings, others may miss their friends from home, some will be lost with all of this new responsibility that comes with being a college student.
It’s OK if you are feeling homesick. It’s perfectly normal to not be best friends with your roommate(s). It’s OK to get a C on your first exam. It’s OK to be overwhelmed, frustrated, and it’s perfectly ok to have a good cry. Whatever you are going through and feeling, I can guarantee you that you are not the only one feeling the way you do.
Use your support systems – whether it is your family or friends, talk to them. Let them know how you are feeling. Ask them for advice. If that doesn’t seem to help and things are feeling truly insurmountable – go to the counseling center. At Endicott, the counseling center is free. There is much less of a stigma talking to a counselor at college than there is in high school. The counselors are there for a reason, use their expertise and knowledge to help yourself.Give it time to get used to and familiar with all of the changes. It takes time. Others adjust more quickly than maybe you do. And that is fine. Everyone adjusts to such large changes at their own pace. It may take a few weeks, a few months, or even an entire semester. And that is OK. If you truly want to transfer, that’s OK too. But, be clear and sure of your reasons. Each college has their own problems that you will have to deal with, no matter where you go.
Branch out. Join clubs. Go to events. Leave your door to your room open when you’re just relaxing. Take a walk. Take chances. You have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone at first in order to find your niche at college.
You are stronger than you think and you can do this.