Five Tips for Making the Transition to College

The transition to college in the fall for incoming freshmen can be an overwhelming experience filled with many different emotions ranging from excitement, sadness or fear.  It’s important to know that all of these feelings are completely normal and typical of someone who is moving on from their high school experience with uncertainty of what to expect in this new chapter of their life.  

You might be wondering how to best prepare for your first semester of college.  Whether you’ll be living in a dorm or commuting to school from home, here are some common questions you might have, along with quick tips to consider which may help make the transition a bit easier:

What if I don’t make friends?

This is one of the most common concerns that college bound students have when they are getting ready for this next chapter of their lives; how could it not be?  Many incoming freshmen are attending a school in which they will not know many people if anyone at all.  This can feel incredibly scary and unsettling. It is important to try and attend several extracurricular activities during the first few months of school.  From volunteer organizations to athletics or joining Greek life, many colleges have an array of choices when it comes to involvement on campus.  Getting involved on campus is a great way to meet new people who have similar interests and who also want to make new friends.  This is also a great way to create a routine for yourself during a time when your life may feel unpredictable.

What if I don’t like my school?

Even though most college bound teens have chosen the school they will attend, this is a common fear that many have once the summer rolls around and their moving date begins rapidly approaching.  Chances are that you chose your school for a specific reason, but please know that it often takes college freshmen time to adjust to their classes and for some, a new living arrangement in a completely different state or part of the country.  Feelings of uncertainty are normal and to be expected during this time.  If after a few months you are still feeling unsure or are experiencing increased sadness or anxiety that isn’t typical for your personality, I would encourage you to share your feelings with a loved one or someone you trust.  Alternatively, you may find it helpful to speak with an academic advisor or seek out a therapist at your school’s counseling center.  They can listen to some of the challenges you are experiencing and point you in the right direction towards finding a solution.

My high school experience wasn’t great.  Will it be easy to start fresh?

One of the most exciting things about going to college for a lot of teenagers is the opportunity to start fresh both academically and socially.  For some, this may also mean they are able to make changes in the form of self-expression and in a sense, reinvent themselves and their identity. Some may want to simply change their sense of style while others may opt to change other aspects of their appearance without having to worry about judgment or questions from those back home.  You may also be interested in volunteering or joining a new organization that you previously would not have considered participating in during high school.  Regardless, the choice to make change is yours with many possibilities.

What if I get homesick?

If you are living in a dorm and find yourself missing family, your favorite meals and the comforting familiarity of your bed at home, you are certainly not alone.  These feelings are common and are bound to happen at some point during your first semester at college. Thanks to the invention of FaceTime and other common video conferencing apps, communicating with friends and family has never been easier.  It is often helpful to schedule time to chat with your loved ones, as college life can get pretty hectic while you are attending classes, studying, and hanging out with new friends.  The frequency of these calls may be different from one person to the next, but what matters most is that you find a schedule and routine that works best for you.  

Will I be able to manage new responsibilities?

Becoming more independent is a goal that many teenagers look forward to and fear at the same time.  College students who are living at home may be faced with a traffic ridden daily commute or using public transportation.  Students living away from home may be doing their own laundry for the first time or be responsible for securing their own meals.  Both groups must navigate a bigger school campus while trying to find their classes and make friends while adjusting to college life at the same time.  It may be helpful to remind yourself of other examples in your life where you have been successful in accomplishing a task or challenge you once thought was intimidating.  Many of these “firsts” can feel daunting, but with a little practice and patience, these skills become easier and will feel like second nature over time.