Transitions

Uploaded: Aug 26, 2015

(written by Lori McCormick)

Transitioning to college, while certainly exciting, can also feel a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips to help make your transition a little easier.

Homesickness
Separating from your home, your community or even the high school you were accustomed to can trigger homesickness. Here are some things to remember to help you manage your homesickness:
1. Everyone gets homesickness ? this is normal! Give yourself time to adjust.
2. Bring familiar things to college (pictures are a great thing to bring!)
3. Stay focused on your goal ? to graduate from college!
4. Familiarize your new surroundings, get to know your new campus/community
5. Get involved on campus (even if you are staying local)
6. This is YOUR time to focus on yourself.
7. You DESERVE this opportunity! Don't ever lose sight of your past accomplishments that have paved the way for a greater future for yourself.

Managing Stress
1. Use academic and personal counseling on campus ? they are there to HELP you.
2. Find a quiet place on campus to retreat to when you need alone time.
3. Sleep! Eat Well! Exercise! - All of these will contribute to a healthy lifestyle and will naturally reduce your stress levels.
4. Manage your time to help elevate your stress levels.
5. Avoid drugs and alcohol ? these will trigger stress indicators such as headaches and depression.
6. Get to know your professors ? they are also there to help you.
7. Remember that EVERYONE feels stressed at some point in their life. You're not alone.

Time Management
1. Use a calendar to schedule everything in your day. This might seem excessive at first, but it will teach you how to realistically manage your time. For example, include all of your academic time (class time, study time, appointments with your professor, etc.) but also schedule in time for fun, sleep, errand running, exercise, etc.
2. Allow yourself a 15 minute break from school work every 45 minutes.
3. Break down your tasks into smaller ones.
4. Work backward from your deadlines.
5. Work during your "peak hours". For example, if you are a morning person, schedule your classes and study time in the mornings when you are at your best.
6. Find or create a study group ? choose people who will help you stay on track and can help you become more efficient at managing your time.

This is one of my favorite posts from San Diego State University. Take this advice to heart...

Attention Freshmen who are moving in tomorrow: A little request ... When your mom wants to unpack all of your clothes and make your bed - Let her. When your dad wants to introduce himself to all the people on your floor - Let him. When they want to take pictures of every move you make this weekend - Let them. If they embarrass you or act crazy - Let them. As you start the new chapter of your life, they are also starting the new chapter of theirs. And believe it or not, this is probably more difficult for them than it is for you. So let them treat you like their "baby" one last time.
Welcome to the Aztec family!

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