Whether you’re looking to become a personal injury lawyer, a doctor or any other high-level profession like that, you’ll need to leave home and go to college. For some people, this is an exciting opportunity to Adapt to College Life that they can’t wait to enjoy.
Others, though, struggle to adjust to the more free-form schedule, separation from old friends and family, and the familiarity of their hometown. If this describes you, read on for some advice on how to adjust to college life.
Some Things You Can Do to Adapt to College Life
Stay Organized
College is very different from high school, with the biggest difference being the structure. Your classes take place at certain times and you’re just expected to be there. While your friends may remind you about the deadlines for certain assignments, your professors rarely will. College is just more structureless in general. Adapting to this schedule can be difficult, but staying organized can make that easier.
When you’re given an assignment or test date, write it down either on a paper calendar or a digital one like on your phone or laptop. Set alarms and reminders for both getting to classes and completing these assignments. And, of course, find a way to break big tasks into smaller ones. For example, plan to study for exams for a few days before they actually happen to give your brain time to absorb and remember the material.
If you’re someone who craves routine, then create one for yourself. Always get up at a certain time, try to eat lunch at the same time every day, find clubs that meet regularly, get a job, etc. College can be pretty structureless, which is the perfect time for you to practice creating structure for yourself.
Find an On-Campus Activity
If you’re struggling to make friends, crave a bit more structure, or are just bored and want something to do, then find an on-campus activity to enjoy. Your school will endorse many different types of teams and clubs, from basketball, football, or other sports teams to theater, academic, business and other such clubs.
They may also provide some on-campus jobs. Some allow students to help tutor others who are struggling, or help work in the cafeteria, or even assist the professors themselves, whether that be in the classroom or with research.
If none of these strike your fancy, then keep an eye on your college’s social media and website; they might advertise upcoming events. Sporting events are an obvious option, but other things like job fairs, workshops, short extra classes like a cooking class, and more are all likely to be happening somewhere on campus soon.
If you’re still not interested or if the upcoming events aren’t relevant to you, then take advantage of your school’s amenities. Public spaces on campus will almost always be buzzing with students and teachers, so you’re sure to make a few acquaintances by just hanging around these spots.
Bring Sentimental Items
Most of the time, going to college means you’ll be far from home. You won’t see your family much as a result and this could leave you feeling homesick. This can’t be completely avoided, but it can be mitigated if you bring sentimental items from home. Scrapbooks, favorite toys from your childhood, family recipes and more can all be brought to college with you.
When you start feeling homesick, maybe try and cook that recipe or flip through the scrapbook. While you may not play with them anymore, taking your favorite toy could be a good way to center yourself when life gets stressful or chaotic.
When you need someone to talk to, call your family members and just chat with them for a while. You could even do a video call if you can guide them through the setup process. This will not only help you feel better, but it will also bring a big smile to their face and make them happy as well.
Don’t Rush
There will be a lot on your plate once you hit college. You’ll suddenly need to learn how to properly manage your time and finances because you’ll be stressed out otherwise, either being constantly short on cash or late to class. Don’t rush yourself, though.
Take advantage of your college’s resources and reach out for help in doing those things. Building friendships, finding your routine and figuring out which clubs and events are for you all take time, and that’s okay.
While you may be stressed at first Adapt to College Life, take it as a learning opportunity instead of an inherent negative. Practice mindfulness strategies until you know what helps you reduce your stress. You’ll get it all figured out; just give yourself the time to do that.