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How can I Adjust to College Life?
College is a time of great change for many teenagers, but these changes do not have to be difficult. Without parents looking over your shoulder, the choices you make during college life are entirely your own. However, this is where difficulties can arise.
A very intimidating aspect of college life is leaving old friends behind. If you’re the shy type, there are a few pointers that may help. Many colleges have a freshman orientation program to help students adjust to college life. This orientation usually shows students the location of class rooms, the gym, and other important areas. Perhaps more important, however, is that there's a large group of freshman students in one concentrated area, which provides an excellent opportunity to meet new people.
Many schools pair up freshman students with a stranger for a roommate. This can be intimidating, but you will not find a better opportunity to quickly make a friend. Be sure to follow your pre-college life hobbies as well, since extra-curricular sports and clubs are a great way to meet like-minded people.
In college, whether you go to class is entirely up to you. Many professors have an attendance policy, and are not lenient towards freshmen who are still adjusting to college life. It's OK to miss a few classes, but remember why you went to college in the first place. If you don't go to class, you don't learn. Also, class is a great place to meet other students.
Weight gain during freshman year can be a serious problem. For many students, the likely cause is poor choice in diet. Gaining weight is a problem that can be easily avoided. Don't limit your diet to junk food! Balance your meals with fruit and vegetables, and be sure to get some exercise as well.
No matter where you go to college, chances are high that there will be plenty of parties to attend, both on weekdays and the weekend. It's OK to blow off some steam once in awhile, but don't let parties interfere with your academics. Remember that many universities frown on loud, disruptive parties, and campus police have no qualms about enforcing the law. College life can be difficult enough without an expensive fine and other possible disciplinary actions. Make intelligent, responsible choices.
It's natural to feel a little homesick once in awhile. So when you do, just remember that your friends and family are only a phone call or email away.
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![Getting into a regular sleep and studying schedule can help students adjust to college.]()
By: Alexander RathsGetting into a regular sleep and studying schedule can help students adjust to college. -
![Skipping the late-night pizza may help college students avoid gaining weight.]()
By: Kayros StudioSkipping the late-night pizza may help college students avoid gaining weight. -
![Transitioning to college life has its challenges.]()
By: opoljaTransitioning to college life has its challenges. -
![Weight gain during the first year of college is avoidable.]()
By: KzenonWeight gain during the first year of college is avoidable. -
![Making new friends will be a positive part of college life.]()
By: savage ultralightMaking new friends will be a positive part of college life. -
![Becoming involved with team activities may help relieve homesickness.]()
By: espionBecoming involved with team activities may help relieve homesickness. -
![Many people have to adjust to having roommates when they begin college.]()
By: kirillicaMany people have to adjust to having roommates when they begin college. -
![Students should expect a rigorous academic curriculum in college.]()
By: Sergey NivensStudents should expect a rigorous academic curriculum in college. -
![Drinking is often part of college life.]()
By: jillchenDrinking is often part of college life.
Discussion Comments
Now that I think about it, practically all of my friends and myself were a part of some group or organization at the University. Some were part of a voluntary soccer team, some were in the hiphop club, I took bellydancing classes, some were in theatre, some organized events for student organizations, another was in the the chess club.
I think these extracurricular activities made the transition to college life much easier for us.
My recommendation to new college students would be to stay in an on-campus housing the first couple of years if possible.
I lived on campus for the first three years. It was nice because I made a lot of friends, didn't have to worry about sending rent every month or utilities.
I also dined at the university dining facilities which meant I ate healthy and mealtimes became a regular meet up time with my friends. Plus, being on campus all the time means you can join in on campus activities, go work out and study at the library more easily.
My final year, I moved out into an apartment off-campus and the responsibilities were a lot more. I had to take a bus to campus, when I could walk to class before. Now, I wish I had stayed on campus the last year as well.
I was very homesick my freshman year of college. It was not easy for me. But I took advantage of the opportunities there. I went to counseling on campus for a while, talked to my mom on the phone every single day and tried to make friends.
I also got an on campus job the first semester. That helped a lot because I made money and also found something to do in my free time.
I had a lot of trouble adjusting to college when I first attended in 2000. So much so, that I ended up dropping out and taking a few years off from school before going back. My biggest problems were that I moved almost 2000 miles away from home, I had no family support network, and I didn't know anybody at my new school. I also had little money, and was lacking some important things that would have made my experience a little easier. I think that the author of this article hit on an important point about a having a good support network. It can be very stressful to move somewhere new; especially if there are big differences between your new town and your home town. You want to make sure that you have people that you can talk to when you are feeling down, and friendly faces you can turn to when you need a pick me up. No matter how well you can adapt, changing your entire life over the course of a summer can be really tough. Your resources should be taken into account when you choose a school so you can make a comfortable transition to your new life. Otherwise, you may find that being successful in your studies may be next to impossible.
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