With the new school year approaching, means that reality is starting up again while summer is coming to a close. Everyone is going back to college and/or starting their new four year journey, either away from home or close to it. Regardless, college is the start of a new era, phase, chapter whatever one may want to call it for themselves. It can be scary as well as filled with excitement.
I remember going into my first year I felt extremely overwhelmed and filled with anxiety. It felt strange having to pack up my things and move to a suburban area, complete opposite of a city and surrounded by people you don't know. At times I would feel uncomfortable because it didn't feel quite real, almost as if I was living in a parallel universe. Sometimes I still feel like that. Although I was looking forward to being on my own, I didn't think I would become homesick until my mother said her final goodbyes. However, it only lasted for two weeks. For incoming freshmen, it's normal to feel nervous and anxious, for whatever reason it may be, so many other people feel or have felt the same way.
It's true when people say it takes time to adjust. So don't freak out if three days or even a week in, you feel somewhat out of place. I know for a fact I felt that the first couple of weeks but you'll adjust, trust me.
As an introvert, one of the many obstacles I faced was introducing myself to others and building friendships. For the most part, I usually wait for the other person to approach me, but I strongly encourage introverts or just anyone to try and greet someone. I know it's easier said than done, but try and work up to it. Everyone is on the same boat, especially since everyone doesn't know each other for the most part.
One of the biggest regrets I had my first year was not being involved as much as I wanted and should've. Push yourself to join clubs, being active on campus makes apart of your experience there. Through doing this, you'll meet new people and eventually create relationships with others.
Studying and work in itself can be stressful and overwhelming, so take a break. Always put your mental health and well-being before anything, especially a homework assignment. Do whatever you can to refresh your brain because college work is hard and it can have a toll on someone if one doesn't take a break or put themselves first.
At the end of the day college isn't just about strenuous work or partying, but it's about making new experiences with new people. Although I'm only entering my second year, I slowly feel myself finding out what I love to do and eventually what I would want to do. It's still blurry, but school is making that vision a bit more clearer.
