The fact that I’m leaving for college in two days barely seems real. It’s a date that’s been creeping up on me for months, and it’s finally here- the day I leave my family, friends, and hometown behind for something completely new. All the excitement starts to trade itself for dread as the date gets closer. New nerves that I haven’t had before are suddenly rearing their ugly head.
Will I make friends? Will I do all the right things in order to not embarass myself in front of a bunch of people I don’t know? Am I going to absolutely hate it and immedietely come back home?
Obviously, I’m not the only one with these fears. There are thousands of other students at my college alone that are going through this exact same process at the exact same time. There are other students who are nervous to be away from home for the first time, and other students who want to reach out and make friends.
All these fears are enough to make even the simplest tasks feel big. Packing up to move is a daunting task. Going into move-in day, facing so many unknowns, is like a nightmare. Taking on a whole new load of classes that I feel unprepared for, is something I can barely think about.
Right now, everything seems so big, so I thought I’d share some of the things that make the weight of the unknown a little bit less of a burden.
1: Make a list. Simple? Yes. Effective? For me, at least. It can be a list of anything. A list of things you’re nervous about? Sure. It helps to get it out. A list of the places you want to visit or explore on your campus? Heck yes! Get excited! A list of all the food places your campus has? Well, there’s no use in going hungry. It can be a list about anything. The point is that you’re either putting your worries onto paper, which can help lighten their load, or you’re refocusing so that you’re not as nervous.
Another list I recommend making is your support people. These are the people you turn to if things go from overwhelming to absolutely too much. These are people that want to help you, that you’re comfortable with, and that you know are in your corner. For example, my list has my parents, two of my cousins that I’m close with, and my best friends. Having this list ready gives you one less thing to worry about, especially if you’re anxious like me, and trying to figure out what to do end up in not doing anything and agonizing over not having done anything. Which also, coincidentally, brings me to point 2.
2: Find your schedule. Did you find it? Great! Now, your schedule will almost certainly change in the next few weeks, but if you’re a planner, having a schedule helps you start thinking about how you’ll spend your time, as well as where your classes are on campus. Do you have some time between your classes, or will you have to rush from one to another? Are all your classes in nearby buildings, or will you be getting some exercise in?
Having a general knowlege of your schedule also allows you to know what changes might be needed later. If you have to drop or swap a class, knowing generally what class will be kicked or replaced will make things easier on yourself.
3: Prepare to have rest days. Take at least a day each week where you let yourself think about something other than schoolwork. Do an activity you find relaxing, or treat yourself to a snack in the dining hall you don’t usually have (if you like your dining hall, of course). If you don’t want to dedicate the whole day, block off at least a couple of hours. Have a specific time each week that you will take a break. This helps prevent academic burnout. In addition, college is a huge transition physically as well as mentally. If you don’t take a break, your body will take one for you, and that can come in the form of things like illness that I promise you don’t want to deal with.
In addition to off-days, you should prepare to have bad days. Days where things go wrong. Days where your hair keeps sticking up, and you trip walking to class, and it rains when you’ve forgotten an umbrella, and you say the wrong thing. Just remember that everyone has bad days. Don’t dread them, you’ll only feel worse. If you can, laugh them off, or embrace them as part of the experience. And don’t be too hard on yourself.
These are things that have helped me as I prepare to step onto my college campus, and things that I hope will help you. However, no college tip is one size fits all. If these don’t work for you, find something that does. And remember, this is a learning experience. It’s okay that things are hard. Always remember that you’re not the only one going through this. What you’re feeling is normal.
Perhaps the best bit of advice I can give to the diverse group of people starting college in the next few weeks is to be open. Be open to learning, and growing. Be open to finding new people, and taking on new experiences. be open to making mistakes, and then fixing them. Be open to others, and be open with yourself.
Remember, you have the whole wide universe at your fingertips.
-Venus