I moved into Bryn Mawr College with most of the incoming first-years last Wednesday. Since then, I've realized a few key things about the first week of college, and wanted to share these difficulties with you and offer a few possible remedies that may help reduce some first-week stress.
Struggle #1: Customs Week is wicked tiring.
This struggle isn't at all unique to Bryn Mawr; the first week of school, where you are forced to socialize, figure out campus, eat breakfast early or not at all, and run back and forth to meetings is crazy no matter where you are getting your education.
When I'm writing this, it's noon on my second full day and I'm exhausted, my eyes barely open, and one of my roommates is asleep. Instead of resorting to constantly being confused with a cast member of 'The Walking Dead,' an effort needs to be made to adopt some strategies to ease this particular transition.
Solution: Take care of yourself.
The social aspect of Customs Week is intense; the constant stream of people you constantly encounter and introduce yourself to makes you more exhausted, more quickly. Take time to be alone. Listen to comforting music (for me it's been a Hamilton marathon up in here). Go to bed early if you can. Talk your stresses out with your roommates. Get some exercise. Go out of your way to do what makes you feel a little more normal, even for a few minutes a day. Know when enough socializing is enough for you, and separate yourself when you need a break.
Struggle #2: These dorms are on fireeeeeee!
New Dorm residents, shhhh. Everyone else, listen up. These dorms are burnin' up. I'm talking Jonas Brothers-level heat here. We're all going through the same thing, but it's up to you to make the situation better for you in the way you think will work best.
Solution: Make a change.
While it remains hot outside, try to limit the time you spend in your dorm. Do work in the campus center or library, where you don't feel like you're about to melt. Take a rest outside. We have hammocks here; use them! Find a place where you feel content; you will feel so much better in every other area of stress in your life when your body is comfortable. Drink tons of water; having a mini-fridge in your dorm is a lifesaver when you need something cold (or just feel the strong urge to stick your face in it).
Struggle #3: I miss my parents, dangit.
I honestly didn't think I would cry when I bid adieu to my parents after I moved in. Yep, I was very off there. Saying goodbye to the people who have raised you, nurtured you, supported you, and loved you for the past eighteen years is a big deal. There are times where I want them to come back, or I want to go back to them. I know this is normal, and I know that it will get easier. Instead of packing your things and sprinting for the nearest moving vehicle, I have found a more constructive solution to this dilemma, and as obvious as it may sound, it works.
Solution: Keep up communication.
There is no shame in continuing to talk to your family after you've moved in. We are so lucky to be going to college in such a digital age; we have our family and friends at our fingertips for support if we need them. FaceTime with your parents if you have a few minutes free from Customs Week craziness. Give your friends from home a dorm tour. If you have a question, ask a friend who's already been in college for a while.
Call or text your siblings, cousins, dogs, former coworkers, your mailman or woman; anyone will make this huge change a little less drastic. Use media to your advantage at this time; Snapchat is an awesome way to share little tidbits of your experience, and to see that your friends are going through the same things as you. It's those little exchanges of Customs Group stories, hall decorations, or dining hall food that will bring part of you back where you want to be.
