While most look forward to college life with great anticipation of freedom and fun, the enormity of changes can catch one off guard. Especially if you are moving away from home, the changes in the way of life, values and expectations of those around, way of talking and thinking and even food and daily activities can be enormous.

School and home provide a degree of comfort and routine that college doesn’t. One can feel out of sorts in a new group of students from varied backgrounds with differences in values and behaviours and finding like-minded friends can be a challenge; if one comes from a “all-girl” or “all-boy” school mingling with the opposite sex can also feel daunting; academic work isn’t so routine and there is greater responsibility to keep abreast – unlike school where there was closer monitoring and involvement of teachers; add to that the competition of being in a group where each one is perhaps the “school topper” can make one feel suddenly insignificant; and the pressure to take care of one’s daily needs right from buying toothpaste to deciding what to wear can take a toll.

If you find yourself struggling with some of these concerns, you are not alone. While it can feel like an emotional roller-coaster, and one that seems to be going downhill at a great speed, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are things you can do to make the transition easier. Here are some ideas:

1. Try and find someone in your dorm or hostel you can gel with. Chances are there will be others with struggles similar to yours. Reach out and they will be grateful for the company too! You could even find a supportive senior who would be happy to share their experience with you.
2. Join a club or college organisation that appeals to you. It could be a hobby club or a sports team even. Chances are others there would have similar interests as you and you may find yourself a good friend! 
3. Remember to take good care of yourself. Yes, the hostel food maybe insipid and there would be tons to do, right from assignments, to cleaning and laundry and the pressure from friends to party – but it is important to ensure that you eat well, rest enough and get some exercise. Avoid dependence on drugs, alcohol or other substances. A good idea is to make a manageable schedule that includes time for studies, at your pace and comfort.
4. Relook at expectations. College life can be the “best years” of one’s life, but that doesn’t mean it won’t have its share of challenges. Your roommate may not turn out to be the best friend you had expected, and that might mean having some difficult conversations about personal space and living habits. But you can still find your best friend somewhere else. Give yourself time to adjust and don’t expect things to be exactly how you expected.
5. Seek out resources on campus. Most colleges have a guidance cell or a counsellor whom you can approach. They can be a source of support as well as guide you to other resources. You could even speak to an approachable member of the faculty.

Nothing good comes without its share of bad! But there are things you can do to make it better – and if you need a little help, reach out to our counsellors.