Adjusting to College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Adjusting to College

Even after 3 years, I still struggle with transitioning back to college.

8
Adjusting to College
pixabay.com

Moving into college, whether it is for the first or fourth time, is an emotional roller coaster. When I moved in this past week, I had a hard time adjusting, and I am still trying to get comfortable. Getting out of the house after living there for the past 3 months is weird. I wasn’t ready to get back into the swing of being busy from the second my feet hit the floor in the morning to the time I couldn’t keep my eyes open for another second. I wasn’t ready to have to go to class and do homework and study. However, my perspective turned around after I moved in the first year students.

I remembered what it felt like to step foot on campus for the first time. I remembered moving my belongings into a strange room that I was supposed to feel comfortable in but didn’t. I remember meeting my classmates for the first time, wondering who I would come to call some of my closest friends. I remember the first night staying at college; the excitement and fear are both very similar to how I feel 3 years later.

Transitioning from home life to college life is a big change, no matter how old you are. While I was attending the convocation for the new students, I felt nervous, sad and scared all over again. I was thinking about when I was in their shoes and how much I truly did not like the feeling. I didn’t like being uncomfortable, and it still takes me a few days to become comfortable back at college. I remembered how clueless I was, but I also remembered the relief once the adjustment was made; once my dorm became home and my friends became family. It is truly a wonderful experience, despite the emotional roller coaster that comes with it.

This year, the adjustments became easier due to the people with whom I was sharing the experience. I had the privilege of working with a great group of students as the Fresh Start staff. They are incredible leaders and their kindness goes beyond measure. They made the transition week a little more bearable, and the adjustment a little less stressful. They also created a very positive atmosphere for the incoming students. I watched students go from not saying a word Friday morning, to standing on stage and performing in front of their peers at a talent show Saturday night. I watched students go from crying because their parents left them Friday, to laughing with their new friends at dinner Sunday. It was such a wonderful experience to watch them adapt to this new and overwhelming lifestyle.

In preparation for being a Fresh Start leader, I attended lectures on diversity and acceptance throughout campus. The college world has been very interesting to me, and very eye opening. I am learning more about people as humans, not based on their race or religion. I have adjusted to accept that not everyone is like me… actually, no one is exactly like me, so standards should not be held on acceptance. I have adjusted to realize how awesome it is that a community contains so many different people, yet we all share a common home.

I have come to realize that adjusting to Westminster has taught me so much about life and the challenges people face. I have learned academics, leadership skills, and most importantly, how to adjust to the world that I live in. Transitions are hard, but once we leave our comfort zone, we often find a new place to call home.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

1455
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1284
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

965
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments