Tips for Conquering Your College Freshmen Fears
Are you scared of your freshman year? You are not alone and it’s totally normal. Having the anxiety of what is waiting for you in your first year in college is pointing to the fact that you are aware of the challenges you are about to face. However, do not let this scare you as in a few weeks you will probably start adjusting to the new people and places. Also, it’s known that the most productive college experiences are usually the most exciting ones.
1. THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE LET ME IN BY ACCIDENT
Are you worried you didn’t meet the admission requirements and yet got the position? Well, no I don’t think so, if that was to be the case you ought to have received a notification before you got to the college.
2. MY ROOMMATE WILL BE AWFUL
There is always the fear of sharing a room with someone you do not click with. Well, there is a chance of you having a roommate that will be great. In a situation when you have no idea who your roommate is before school resumption, you can write or call each other and know a few things about yourselves. This way, when you guys move in, it’s a sweet ride all the way. Setting ground rules like how to receive visitors, cleaning schedule and reading hours can go a long way to keep you and your roommate mutually happy. However, if you end up with a roommate that is just awful then do not beat yourself up, at least, you will gain some experience after all.
3. SCARED OF MEETING NEW PEOPLE AND MAKING FRIENDS
If meeting people scares you then do not worry as everyone there is new. You can ease in by introducing yourself to others during the orientation in your class, on your floor; you can as well join social clubs or a student organizations. It’s very likely you will meet people who share your interests.
4. ACADEMIC CHALLENGES
Don’t you think you up for the academic challenges? I guess there are going to be loads of freshmen who will be sharing the same fear. You need to know, however, that college is going to be more difficult than the high school because the academic workload will be more efficient. Getting yourself ready for this challenge is good. If you see yourself underperforming, speak to your chancellor. They can advise you on educational resource materials or help you study.
5. BEING HOMESICK
It’s true you can get homesick or even scared of leaving or losing your friends and missing your family. Well, another bitter truth is if you do not leave for studies, your friends might; or they have other plans which will change your play time and other fun stuff you did together. But you can still make your freshman year fun by keeping in touch with your high school friends. Write letters, text or call them now and then. You can talk about your experiences in college.
6. FINANCES
Just the concern that most students have! College is costly and yes you might end up borrowing to cover the cost. But it’s a good time to start managing your finances and you now to know the specifics of your financial aid package so you can plan and know how to spend. There are on campus jobs you could get and earn extra money to support your studies and college life.
7. HOW TO BALANCE SO MANY THINGS
Time management seems to be one of the biggest headaches to just about any college student. Even adults still have issues managing their time and that is why it’s a good time for you to learn this. If you have a grip on how to plan your time now, in the future you can easily go through your daily schedules smiling. Starting with a to-do list, using the calendar and setting out tasks and sticking to them can be a great foundation for you becoming good at managing time and still stay on top of your academics.
8. MY FIRST TIME OF BEING ALONE
Going to college and being alone for the first time is hard. But this is life and getting through this will prepare you for life challenges. Mistakes will happen along the way and you will learn from them. There are people and support mechanisms on campus to help you through this phase.
9. BASIC CHORES
If you fall under the category of people who can’t cook and do laundry, well, here is your chance to learn and improve your life. There are thousands of how –to guides online so teach yourself some few things. You can ask a roommate or a friend for help by watching them cook and do their laundry, this way you can learn how to do these basic things.
10. WEIGHT GAIN AND THE ‘FRESHMAN FIFTEEN’
You certainly have heard of the dreaded fifteen pound every freshman gains. It can be true if you make the wrong choices about lifestyle and eating habits. With loads of recreational activities available on the campus and your hectic school schedule I am pretty sure you can go through your fresh year without gaining any weight.
11. INTIMIDATED BY PROFESSORS?
Well! Well! Yes, college professors can be very intimidating, you can have a nice relationship with your professor by introducing yourself early and asking about how you could apply for any academic help. If they have an assistant I suggest you try talking to them first.
12. MY RELIGIOUS LIFE
Religion can be an easy way to make friends and stay connected to your faith, I am pretty sure there will be one or two places that are for your religion and if not you are free to start one. You can find any information on the student’s organization groups.
13. AFTER COLLEGE WHAT THEN
Majority of students are actually very scared of the future as they do not know what it holds for them. I do not think anyone does, but we have to be prepared. Your freshman year is a good time to start. Take many different courses, seek advice from your chancellor, and talk to students above your level. Chose a path and try to plan for your course loads and grades. Do not worry about figuring everything out, just ease out on the pressure and explore this valuable year.
