One of the many challenges freshmen face is adjusting to the new lifestyle. Some students came here from hours away. A new area, a tight living space and a lot of neighbors so close can be a difficult thing to deal with. Here are some tips to easily adjust to campus life.
“Just don’t forget studying, take time out for yourself, and know what you can handle,” said upperclassman Jordan McDonald. His main points were to avoid over-tasking on the little things, take time for yourself and mental health but do not forget to study every day. Keeping academics organized, staying up to date on assignments and feeling prepared relieves a lot of the college stress. Plan out when to complete certain tasks and how much to get done on each day.
Taking care of mental and social health is just as important as academics, so try to find a healthy balance between them. However, this is not as easy to do as it is to say.
An important part of staying mentally healthy is eating healthy. This is especially difficult in college. The legend of the “freshman 15” is an all-too real threat to the health of students. Having access to a dining hall serving hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza and sweets every day can be tempting. According to Harvard Health this type of diet not only affects weight but also mental health. So, eat nutritious meals rather than grabbing a hot dog every day.
Bonaventure alumni Jake Fischer, who graduated with a Master’s in 2016, gave the advice to “join things and meet new people with similar interests.” A friend group for support and encouragement can really help. Being surrounded by a group of people going through the same issues and experiences will lighten the load on everybody.
One way to make friends is joining clubs. This is one of the most common ways to meet and talk to people with similar interests. Bonds formed in clubs naturally continue outside of the club. Another way to make friends is finding someone sitting alone and sit with him or her. This takes guts and will not always lead to a long-lasting friendship, but it could. If not, it is still good to spend lunch having a conversation with somebody and then seeing a friendly face around campus.
Keep stress off the mind by staying occupied with any activity you enjoy. Not bogging yourself down with work, but just having something to stimulate the mind. When homework is out of the way fill free time with a relaxing activity. Whether that means working out, playing video games, playing an instrument, watching a movie, playing sports with friends, or anything else you find relaxing and fun.
Have a basic routine to stick to like times set aside for meals, studying, relaxing, hanging out with friends, going to sleep and waking up. Having a routine gives form to life and removes the uncertainty of improvising each day.
A final piece of advice is to make your dormitory similar to your room from home. Set up your desk and shelves like back home. This familiarity makes it easier to find comfort in living in a new place.
To sum it all up adjusting to college life can be difficult. Make sure to study, stay organized and keep your academics in check. As well as take care of your mental health and social life. Make friends and stay busy by joining clubs. Find activities to do and people to do them with.
By a Bonnie, Advice Columnist
bonavent@sbu.edu
