Tips for Transitioning to College
Moving from high school to college is a major change, and it’s normal to feel excited, nervous, and well, overwhelmed.
Living in a new place, meeting new people, and learning how to manage roommates, course loads, and your newfound freedom can be a lot.
But there’s one thing to remember — you’re not alone. Every other new student is in the same boat, even if they don’t show it. Whether it’s worrying about making friends, conquering your statistics class, or finding the best dining hall, you’ll inevitably experience some highs and lows during your first year.
Here are some tips to help you adjust to life at college.
Be Open to New People
Unless you’re naturally extroverted, you may feel awkward starting conversations with strangers during the early days at college.
It helps to know that just about everyone is eager to make friends, so push yourself to say “Hello” — and make time to talk with others when they reach out to you.
The best way to meet people and make friends is to get involved in campus activities.
Join a few clubs, intramural sports teams, or volunteer groups.
Not only will they fill some of your downtime, but they will allow you to meet people beyond your dorm and classes.
Communicate with Your Roommate
Whether your roommate is a friend from home or a random match, it’s important to establish mutual respect.
Open communication is the key to getting along with your roommate, and the sooner you learn to discuss issues, the better.
Be open about your preferences when it comes to noise levels, sleep and morning routines, and cleanliness.
Little annoyances left unaddressed will eventually turn into a major conflict.
Set boundaries early and know when to compromise for the goal of a fair, peaceful coexistence.
Should an issue arise that you and your roommate can’t resolve on your own, be sure to seek help from your resident assistant (RA), who is trained to help mediate conflicts.
