5 Effective Ways to Settle Into the New Schoolyear
It would be weeks since the beginning of the term, and you haven't settled in. You don't have to be ashamed about it, as this is not unusual among first-year students. It could be overwhelming for those who are studying literature.
This timely subject could baffle some (older) observers, who would argue that adults should have a harder time adjusting to a new surrounding. There won't be a shortage of studies to back it up. (As people grow older, they become more aware of themselves. They tend to be selective of their preferences while their network becomes smaller and smaller.) Teenage years would be an awkward period, though. Some are more confident than the others, so following the pack should be expected. This may be a problem in the English Department, though.
You are expected to be creative, if not unique at all. Your instructors would be disappointed at your assignments otherwise. You have lots of books to read, which should enable you to write long essays. You have little time for other things, but teens are old enough to deal with it (or so you thought). You don't want to talk about it. No need to worry too much about it, as there are five ways to make your (college) life easier.
What Hinders a Successful Transition?
Your inability to learn self-control. There are too many distractions in the university. It's hard to say NO. You suffer from separation anxiety if you don't have any gadget around. It shouldn't surprise you if you're still struggling to manage the coursework up to now. Remind yourself about the costly tuition fee. If this won't regain your senses, then put yourself in your friend's shoes (and the other one and so on). Do they feel the same way? If the answer is no, then look outside. Study the surroundings. You should be able to appreciate something, anything. It should help you forget about your mobile phone (or iPad) for a moment.
You do not understand the program. You should have a high opinion about your abilities. (You wouldn't get an unconditional offer if you're modest about it.) You let it to your head, though. You think that there's no need to exert effort, if not do a lot more than you can. You're dead wrong about it. This is the beginning. You shouldn't stop learning, and you have lots of opportunities. Look at the outline of your modules one more time.
Your can't have relationship with your professors. You can't expect your instructors to talk first, so don't be afraid to approach them. The first meeting (or conversation) seems awkward, as there's a need to break the ice. You'll do it again and again, so expect the formality to fly out of the window after a few encounters.
Finding new friends. This can be a grave problem if you didn't deal with it right away. Several factors are behind it; if you happen to be an introvert, then take heart that you're not the only one. If you're a reclusive character, then there won't be a problem at all. Don't try too hard to please other students. (If you fancy Patricia Highsmith's works, then you need to talk to your tutor.) Your coursework is your first priority, but allow some time for other things. If you're amiable and pleasant enough, you'll have friends in a short time. Bullying would be a different issue, and you must speak with anyone from the Guidance Office. If you're afraid about it, then think about your tutor. You won't hear a mean word.
You don't get enough sleep. You're expected to sleepwalk to your lectures sooner or later, but you have other reasons behind your lack of sleep during this time of the year. You've been attending too many parties. Netflix is a hard habit to break. Homesickness prompts you to talk (or chat) with your family and old friends. You'll still have time for all of these IF you can arrange your schedule. And you must do it NOW.
Understanding a Teenage Brain
Teenagers love risks, as their penchant for playing games would show (to adults). This doesn't mean that you must procrastinate on your assignments more than you think you can. A practice on delayed gratification could help you achieve your goals. There's nothing wrong if the reward seems out of your reach. (If you've earned it, then you can do it once. You must be realistic about this one on your next try.) If this should help you become more motivated about fulfilling the requirements (of the coursework), then don't think twice about it.
Teenagers wouldn't read another person's emotion, so it wouldn't be surprising if they couldn't understand their own. This is a crucial factor, as the ability to control emotions during stressful moments would be helpful in the long run. There's no other way than learning to be patient about shortcomings. If you don't feel like getting up to the new day, then remind yourself about a failing mark. If you're not looking forward to the day, then call your parents. (You can also have a short conversation with your old buddy.) Do anything to lift your spirits up. (It may be too early for an ice cream, though.)
