Advice on College?
I have so many different tags I could use for this post, but what I really want to express comes from a place of mental health. I’m 19, and I took a year off after high school. For some context, I’m from Europe and I’m also neurodivergent and dealing with mental health challenges.
I applied to college with the mindset that if I didn’t get in, I would take another year off, and that’s exactly what happened. I almost made it—just made it to the waitlist.
Now I’m feeling overwhelmed about my future. I would absolutely love to attend college because learning brings me so much joy, but I’m also really scared. Socializing has never been easy for me, and the idea of moving out is daunting. The major I’m interested in studying is in a city that’s quite far from home, which adds to my anxiety. While I do have some friends from high school in that city, I can’t help but feel terrified about relocating. I get homesick easily, and it’s not just about missing my parents; my room is my safe haven.
Sorry if my writing is a bit off—I’ve been up late researching majors, and English isn’t my first language. Thank you for reading and any advice you might have!
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when facing such significant changes like moving out and starting college. Here are a few thoughts that might help you navigate this transition:
Take Your Time: It’s okay to take a moment to breathe and gather your thoughts. College can wait a little longer if you need more time to feel ready. There’s no rush, and finding a path that feels right for you is more important than conforming to timelines.
Connect Gradually: Since you mentioned having some friends in the city, consider reaching out to them before you move. You could arrange to meet up after you’ve settled in. Having familiar faces around can help ease any social anxiety and make the transition smoother.
Explore Your Options: If the idea of moving out feels daunting, perhaps you could look into colleges closer to home or consider online courses as a stepping stone. Many institutions offer hybrid or online options that can help you ease into the college experience without the full stress of moving right away.
Create Your Safe Space: When you do move, you can create a new safe space for yourself. Bring items from home that are comforting—pictures, decorations, or anything that helps you feel more at ease.
Seek Support: Since you mentioned your mental health, it might be beneficial to connect with college counseling services when you start. They can provide support tailored to your needs and help you navigate the challenges you might face.
Focus on Your Passion: Remember why you’re interested in studying your chosen major. Keeping that passion at the forefront can help motivate you and give you a sense of purpose as you move forward.
Practice Self-Compassion: It’s easy to be hard on yourself when feeling anxious or scared, but it’s important to recognize that these feelings are valid. Give yourself grace as you navigate this transition.
Lastly, remember that many students feel scared or anxious about starting college. You’re not alone in this experience, and it’s perfectly okay to voice your fears and seek support. Whatever path you choose, it will be a unique part of your journey, and you’ll learn and grow along the way. Good luck!