It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life… College brings a whole lot of changes, some that are eagerly awaited and others that may catch you off guard. No matter what the expectations, almost everyone needs to make adjustments, especially in the beginning. 

1. Culture – After the security and comfort of school, college can make you feel vulnerable as you try to make new friends and fit-in. Even picking out what to wear everyday can seem difficult as you don’t want to stand out. Life seemed simpler when you could throw on your uniform every day for school.
   The change to co-education can also be tough – you might have been used to hanging out with friends of the same sex, but being in close quarters with the opposite sex can create feelings of self-consciousness and even anxiety. Dealing with seniors, handling assignments and classes, living arrangements, food… it helps to take it one day at a time.
    
2. Socialization – Increased personal freedom can bring about changes in one’s relationships too. School friends might have gone separate ways, new friends can be harder to find, relationships with parents and siblings may also change. Learning to live with roommates, interacting with people from varied cultural backgrounds and trying out new romantic relationships are challenging in themselves without the additional challenges of manoeuvring the bureaucracy of a big institution.
   While it may seem like everyone else is self-confident and successful, in truth everyone has similar concerns. As new routines form, it will be easier to make connections, but meanwhile, try to invite other freshers to join you while you eat or study, leave your dorm room door open when “hanging out” and get involved in campus activities. Also put in efforts to stay connected with old friends and family via phone calls, email, WhatsApp etc.
    
3. Responsibility – Many school toppers find themselves falling to middle ranks in college leading to pressure and stress. Ultimately the best predictor to academic success is personal motivation, so do the best you can without comparing yourself to others.
   Some freshers make the mistake of spending all their time studying OR playing. You need to do both! Of course college life is about making friends and having fun but be sure to balance it with assignments and classes too. 
   Often there is pressure to try out alcohol, tobacco and other substances. But the temporary high comes at the cost of dependence, guilt, depression and academic problems. Looking at what is important and setting out guidelines for yourself can help you remain focused.

College life has its fair share of challenges, however it is here where we discover ourselves and form our unique identities. It gives us a taste of the real world and the skills required to cope with life. So go ahead and make the most of it – responsibly!

If you are feeling anxious, or finding it difficult to cope with any aspect of college life, our counsellors are here to help.