Starting College is a big deal. There’s a lot to be excited about: a new course, new people, new opportunities and a chance to start something completely new.
But alongside the excitement, you might also be feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or even wondering if you’ve made the right choice. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The first few weeks at College can take some getting used to. You’re learning a new routine, finding your way around, meeting new people and getting used to a different way of learning. So, if you don’t feel completely settled yet, that’s okay.
You might still be getting lost
You’ve checked your timetable. You know the room number. You’ve looked at the map, and somehow, you’re still standing outside the wrong building. It happens.
When you’re starting College, there’s a lot to learn about your new surroundings. You might not know where every classroom is, which entrance to use or where to go for lunch. Don’t worry about it. Ask someone if you’re not sure. A member of staff or another student will be happy to point you in the right direction. Before long, you’ll know your way around without even thinking about it.
You might not have made friends yet
One of the biggest worries about starting College is making friends. You might look around and see people chatting and think everyone has already found their group. They probably haven’t. Friendships don’t always happen on the first day. Sometimes they start with something as simple as sitting next to someone in class or working on a project. Give yourself time to meet people. You might be surprised by who you end up becoming friends with.
You might still feel nervous
Even after your first day, you might still feel nervous about College. You might get butterflies before walking into a lesson or feel unsure about speaking to someone you don’t know. Feeling nervous doesn’t mean you’re not confident. It means you’re doing something new. The more familiar your routine becomes, the easier those nerves will usually feel and remember, you’re unlikely to be the only person feeling this way.
There can be a lot of pressure to feel like you’ve got everything sorted from day one; you don’t. The first few weeks of College are about finding your feet.
You’re learning where to go, getting used to your timetable, meeting new people and working out what your new routine looks like. That’s a lot of change. So, if you’re feeling a little lost, nervous or overwhelmed, don’t panic. You’re not doing College wrong. You’re just settling in, and that takes time.
Read part 2: Starting to settle into College.
