A DJUSTING TO C OLLEGE HEALTH AND COUNSELING CENTER, ERC PHONE: 315-268-2327 AND 315-268-6683 http://www.clarkson.edu/healthcenter/ STARTING your first year of college can be very exciting. At the same time, students are confronted with academic and social challenges, and the support system they have known their whole lives is under a different roof. Here are some ideas to help you adjust to college life:
Allow yourself to feel homesick. Some students may not want to admit how much they miss home. They may perceive their feelings as immature and get angry with themselves. If you feel homesick, give yourself a break and understand that your feelings are normal. No matter how old people get, major life changes are tough, and you are going through a major life change.
Keep Busy. Take part in orientation week activities. Get off to a good start in your classes. Find out what kinds of student activities are available and attend some meetings.
Communicate with your family (in moderation!). It’s okay to call and e-mail your family and talk about how you are feeling at college. At the same time, try to understand that it is difficult for them to help you solve your problems from a distance. That’s why we offer you resources here, like the Counseling Center, for you to discuss your feelings and find solutions to problems.
Talk with your Resident Advisor (RA). Every residence hall floor has a student in charge that can help students get adjusted to college. If you feel overwhelmed, stop by for a chat.
If needed, talk to a counselor. If it becomes difficult for you to function in college, or if you are suffering from depression, make an appointment with a counselor at the Counseling Center. It is always better to talk about these issues early on, before they develop into more serious problems.
Decorate! If your room is cozy and comfortable, it will feel more like home.
Give yourself time. It may take a semester or even more before you stop feeling homesick. It takes time to adjust to major life changes like this one. Hang in there!
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