GET READY, GET SET AND GO- FEEL AT HOME IN COLLEGE
The time has come for the bird to fly out of the nest. School and board exams are finally over, with the feeling of freedom, excitement and feeling grown up. However, for both parent child, it comes with slight anxiety. The fear of the unknown is something that will always be present, and like all all things in life, the best approach is be as prepared as possible.
1. Research
Do some in depth research in terms of the course you are applying for, and if it matches with your abilities and interests.
If you are moving to another city, think about details like housing etc, in advance. If possible, try and visit the college, and ask people for feedback about the college, how they are liking things, nice places to hang out around etc. It’s never too late to change your mind, in-case you are really uncomfortable. Connect with your seniors!
2. Be yoursel
The best and most important advice anyone can give you,is to be yourself. Do what you want, wear what you are comfortable in, you will soon find people who are like minded. There is no point trying to fit in by pretending to be someone else as that will never make you happy. Accept who you are, and be proud of your personality. Remember that everyone is nervous at some point or the other, it’s perfectly natural.
3. Take your time
Change is difficult yet inevitable, and no matter how excited you are to go to college, it’s always difficult to step out of the comfort zone and be thrown into new situations. Give yourself time to settle in, and don’t be worried if things don’t fall into place immediately. They will if you allow them to, let things sink in. Evaluate your situation after your first year, and if you still feel out of place act on it.
3. Try new things
The best way to get comfortable in a new situation is to get involved. Magic occurs when you step out of your comfort zone. Try things, go for different club and society meets. If people invite you to hang out, go. Some things you will dislike, and never go back to but you never know what you will enjoy and when the moment will come, where you realise you love college and don’t want the journey to end.
4. Trust your support system
There’s no harm in feeling out of place in college, or feeling low and down at any point. It’s important to make sure you stay in touch with your family and friends, and communicate how you are feeling.
This is also the time you as parents need to keep an eye out and make sure you have created a safe space for your child to talk to you freely, no matter what the issue is. It’s important to make sure you don’t jump to conclusions or judge your child. Remember you are your kids biggest support and you must make sure they can rely on you more than anyone else. Keep in touch, and ask gently how things are going regularly.
The best is yet to come, cherish these days and make the most of it!
