9 Anxieties about Entering College

CEBU, Philippines - A new experience awaits young people in a few weeks. At the start of the new school year s in June, many kids are entering school for the very first time. Many students are also returning, to continue to a higher grade level.

The school experience always evokes mixed feelings in students. A mix of excitement and apprehension is common. These are often the topics of talks among young people everywhere.

Entering college is a daunting step for many students. After four years, they will be professionals, and have to be on their own. Thought of this adds to the basic anxieties about new professors and perceivably more difficult subjects.

Amid these uncertainties, the high school graduates are now preparing for college. And the long conquered awkwardness about school returns. Just the same, they have to pursue their education.

Available resources to help prepare young students for college abound. The internet, for instance, provides convenient assistance. Of course, college is to be prepared for – it is never a piece of cake.

The following ideas are sure to make the transition from high school to college a little smoother, or even easier:

1. “I don’t know anyone there, and I’ll have problems meeting new people and making new friends.”

Everyone  the new student will meet in college is new, and in the first few days it’s natural to meet only total strangers. But even the most introvert of the first-year college students would at least know someone in the campus – a school worker, a town mate, a former school mate back in grade school etc. The Orientation during the first week of school is also an opportunity to meet other students; it usually only takes a deep breath and a friendly self-introduction.

2. “I won’t be able to cut it academically.”

College is likely to be much harder, academically, than high school. The homework load will certainly increase. School assignments will be more into substantial topics and the so-called “filler” homework assignments will no longer matter as much.

But these should not intimidate the new college entrant. It is pretty common for the new college student’s average grade to drop quite a bit, but that need not be the case for long. Additionally, the campus has resources that the student can tap into.

3. “I’m really going to be homesick for my friends/family/boyfriend/girlfriend back home.”

This is probably true. Anyone leaving home soon misses all the people left behind, as well as the times spent with friends, family and other loved ones.  A long-distance relationship can be hard, but it doesn’t mean to say there’s no such thing. Technology has made it so easy to stay in touch with dear ones that the student doesn’t need to miss a thing back home while also making it in college.

4. “I’m concerned about my finances.”

This is a very legitimate concern. College life and being away from home can be a costly combination. Funds will be tight; there’s tuition to pay on one hand, and cost of living to cover on the other, such that borrowing money to make ends meet is a close possibility.  Knowing how to manage money becomes all the more a necessary. Getting a part-time job during the free hours helps, too, including jobs that are just within the campus, like as library assistant or as cafeteria cashier etc.

5. “I don’t know how I’ll balance my time with so many things.”

Time has always been the biggest challenge for all – either there’s so much of it or too little. Everyone is faced with it, from homemakers to workers to college students. By  learning simple time management and prioritizing skills – and self-discipline, of course – it is possible to allot time to everything that needs to be done. Having fun while managing a demanding schedule is not an impossible dream.

6. “I’m nervous about being on my own for the first time.”

This is actually a good thing! Being nervous is natural, especially when going through things alone for the first time. But getting an education is important and many people had done it before. The decision to go to college, of and in itself, hints of many things, determination, self-confidence and the thirst for independence, among others. Besides, many people and support mechanisms are found around the college campus.

7. “I’m intimidated by professors, but know I may need to go to them for help.”

In addition to being incredibly smart and, yes, even intimidating at times, most college professors are actually really nice and approachable. There are many easy, modest ways to get to know the soft sides of the “terror” professors without coming off too aggressive.

8. “I’m worried about my safety now that I’m on my own.”

While personal safety is always a concern, there are many ways to avoid danger and stay safe. Going to college, after all, is not a walk in enemy territory; there are friends to make along the way.

9. “I don’t think I can handle all of the stress.”

College is a stressful place, yes, but so is life in general. Finding oneself in a stressful situation and being stressed are very different things.  Managing college stress takes some practice, but is definitely possible.

Freshmen jitters are normal. Everyone goes through that process of evolving and adjusting to become better.  Worrying about college  is not all that bad. Apprehensions are a sign of eagerness to do well. But most of the fears usually go away after a short while.  (Helpful Source:  http://collegelife.about.com)