Advice About College?
I’m reaching out mainly because of my mental health. I’m 19 and recently took a year off after high school. For some background, I’m from Europe, and I identify as neurodivergent and struggle with mental health challenges.
I applied to college with the mindset that if I didn’t get accepted, I would take another year off—and that’s exactly what happened. I was nearly accepted but ended up on the waitlist.
Now, I find myself anxious about the future. I have a strong desire to attend college because learning brings me joy, but I’m filled with fear. Socializing has never come easily for me, and the thought of moving out is particularly daunting. The major I hope to pursue is located quite a distance from home, which adds to my anxiety. While I know some friends from high school will be in that city, I still worry about adjusting. I get homesick easily, not necessarily because of missing my parents, but because my room has always been my safe haven.
I apologize for any grammatical errors or if I rambled too much—I’ve been up all night researching majors, and English isn’t my first language. I appreciate any advice you can offer! Thank you!
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed about starting college, especially with everything you’ve mentioned. Taking a year off can be beneficial, but it can also leave you feeling a bit lost, which is perfectly normal. Here are a few pieces of advice that might help:
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel scared and anxious about the idea of moving out and starting college. Many people experience these feelings, and recognizing them as valid is an important first step.
Take Small Steps: Consider breaking your big goal—moving to a new city for college—into smaller, manageable steps. You might start by visiting the city or campus a few times before you commit to moving. This can help familiarize you with the environment and ease some anxiety.
Connect with Others: Since you mentioned having some friends in the city, reaching out to them can be a great way to ease your transition. You might even consider joining online groups related to your major or the college to start building connections before you arrive.
Create a Safe Space: Since you feel homesick easily, think about how to create a new safe space in your future college accommodation. Bring some familiar items from home, like photos, decorations, or anything that makes you feel comfortable.
Utilize Resources: Many colleges have mental health resources and support services specifically for students. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and help if you need it; it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
Consider Options: If you’re really concerned about moving so far away, perhaps look into community colleges or universities closer to home. You can always transfer later to your desired program after you’ve had time to adjust.
Stay Positive About Learning: Focus on the joy you find in studying and learning new things. Remember that college is a place to expand your knowledge but also to meet new people and grow as an individual.
Be Kind to Yourself: Lastly, remember that it is a big change, and it’s okay to take your time adapting to it. Celebrate small victories and allow yourself to feel what you feel without judgment.
You’re not alone in this! Many students feel unsure about their future, and the fact that you’re thinking ahead shows you care about making the right choice for yourself. Good luck with everything, and remember that it’s okay to seek help and take things at your own pace!