Adjusting to College

When you're a kid, all you want to do is grow up. Then, when you've grown up, you wish you could go back to when those easier times. I know I have moments where all I want is to be a kid again out there on the playground at recess without a care in the world. Life was so much easier when the only thing I had to worry about was having to eat my vegetables.

When I first moved in the dorm last quarter and my family had left to head back home, it finally hit me that I was officially an “adult” living on my own. I won’t lie. I got homesick. I cried. Adjusting to my new life was going to take some time.

So how do I adjust? Well, to be honest, I’m still figuring it out. Adult life is not easy; it isn’t supposed to be. College is tough, but in the midst of all this confusion on where my life is meant to go from here, I have found ways in which to keep my sanity and keep moving on.

Music, friends, family, games, reading, YouTube videos, and TV: all the ingredients that have been helping me to adjust to the world of college and adulthood, or semi-adulthood, as I am very much still reliant on my parents for certain things. This mix of activities and people help to give me some time to gather my thoughts and take a break from the stress of schoolwork. Trust me. An important part of learning to survive in college is learning to balance between school, your social life, other responsibilities, and your own personal interests.

So, if you are like me and trying to figure out how to best manage your stress, here are a few simple steps. One: Make new friends and keep in touch with the old; you need those people you can rely on and that can support you. Two: Figure out what you love to do in your free time, and keep doing it. Three: Follow your heart and be true to yourself no matter what. (Yes, I know how cheesy that last one is.)

Well, there you have it. I know this writing is short and a little corny, but I hope it helps. Good luck to all of you on your journey to becoming adults!