Leaving for college
It is finally here for many, The 2024 senior class is beginning to get their dorm room assignments, roommates, class schedules, and list of needs for the new journey they are about to approach in college. This is extremely exciting for many. On the same note, there are many who are experiencing large amounts of nerves for the new transition approaching in just a few short weeks. Let's look at some ways in which we can better normalize this transition that is approaching.
When looking at "normalizing" the upcoming adjustment, this is for a reason. One thing that is very overlooked is the difficulty others have when it comes to adjusting to a major life change and transition. Many young adults are being uprooted from homes, towns, and families that they have spent all of or the majority of their life with. On top of this, they are also going to be on their own for the first time ever and responsible to take care of their own needs and wellbeing compared to having a loved one doing it for them. This is kind of intimidating, right? One thing that I often see is college freshmen feeling less than or "unnormal" for having challenges and fears with this transition. In reality, it is normal to have these emotions as well as shows the stability and comfort that they have received in their home up until this point. Instead of pushing oneself down for these fears, lets work to better validate these changes to come.
Along with the change in address and living arrangements comes with the change in the daily routine. Students will now be in harder college level courses, be responsible for large amounts of homework and weighted exams, as well as in charge of maintaining a schedule for classes. This is something that can also be extremely intimidating to many. With these fears, let's work on ways that we can support students with these transitions. Maybe it is something smaller such as gaining a planner to write down a schedule and assignments in, maybe this is something larger such as touring classes and the campus to gain comfort with getting from point a to point b. Overall, these emotions are completely normal and valid. Let's work to assist the students with gaining control of this area when so little feels out of their control.
Lastly, many students have large amounts of fears as it relates to leaving long and lasting friendships to be around all new people. This sounds scary, right? If you or your student are having these fears they are not alone. This is an intimidating time that results in many getting out of the comfort zone to gain new friendships. It is important to remember that many are having these feelings and fears. Steps to assist with this is getting out of one's comfort zone to communicate with new people. Maybe this means joining the freshmen social events, or maybe this means chatting to a classmate in class to create a study group. Regardless of the situation, you are not alone with these emotions which can assist with gaining comfort and validation that others feel the same way too.
Remember, transitions are scary for everyone. You are not alone with the fears of the future and the emotions you are feeling are valid. Let's work to normalize and accept these fears compared to placing shame on oneself for having them.
Written by: Jordan Allen
