Challenges a fresher college student faces

Every year there are millions of young men and women who get admission into graduate and undergraduate courses. College certainly brings about some very dramatic changes in one's lifestyle and culture. The type of adjustment to "blend in" will not be a easy task.

For most of the young adults attending college , it is one of the first major transitions in life. Some students are excited to take in the new experience of campus life, while others feel apprehensive about taking in the huge change.

Regardless of your assumptions at the beginning of your first year at college, talking to others who have already made this transition can be beneficial.

The following are some of the most common changes that you can expect in the first year on campus:

Unfamiliar environment and new relationships:

• Students of the first year will have to adapt to a new, unfamiliar environment and develop new relationships.
• College gives a opportunity to interact with people from various backgrounds and cultures.
• Learning about similarities and differences about each other will enhance your experience.

Adjusting to roommates:

• If you are living away from home, living with roommates can be the first test.
• Most of the students face the challenge of adjusting to roommates who may have different needs and boundaries.
• Communication and compromise with roommates can build a smoother transition.

Greater personal freedom :

• For most students, it might be the first time they have lived on your own. With this comes independence and freedom to make your own choices and decisions.
• This new found freedom can be exciting and also overwhelming.
• The freedom to manage your daily life is a experience in itself and can be very satisfying.

Increased responsibility:

• As freshers you might have to manage the important daily responsibilities that come along with personal freedom.
• Students must also have to address many other complex responsibilities like studying, socialising, participating in activities and most importantly handling finances.

Changes in your relationships:

• While there are many other challenges occurring in your new life, changes will occur in your relationships too.
• Students must learn to balance the sense of connection and separation at college.

Time management:

• Time managements is one of the common stress factor of first years.
• Students might want to manage time for classes, homework, clubs and activities, also alloting time for work, socialising and self-care is important.
• Most students feel, they do not have enough time to do everything. In such cases, planning a schedule or organising your work will help you manage your new, hectic and changing life.

Increased academic demands:

• Coursework at college is challenging and can be hard to keep up with.
• To manage this, it is important to attend class regularly, keep up to date with assignment and readings, and ask help when you need it.
• Meet your professor and take advantage of the resources offered to you.

To have a great first year try to be patient, talk and build relationships with other students, get involved in school activities, utilise the resources available and care for yourself to have a healthy and productive lifestyle.