Navigating the Transition to University: A New Chapter Filled with Excitement and Challenges
Embarking on a new academic journey can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, especially when moving to a far-off city for college. As a 21-year-old psychology major about to start her university experience, I find myself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions—anticipation, anxiety, and a touch of burnout.
Recently, I attended orientation for my new university, located in a city I’ve only visited once before. The thought of leaving my familiar surroundings and venturing into the unknown is both exciting and nerve-wracking. My academic path is driven by a passion for psychology and a goal to pursue graduate studies, but balancing this ambition with my personality traits adds an extra layer of complexity.
Throughout my educational journey—starting from community college—I eagerly immersed myself in numerous extracurricular activities: participating in student media, attending student government meetings, engaging with PTK, organizing campus events, and being involved with SkillsUSA. Juggling these commitments with coursework, job responsibilities, and university applications—sometimes working up to 20 hours a week—has tested my resilience. I attribute much of my busyness to my neurodivergence, particularly ADHD, which fuels my enthusiasm for trying new things, albeit often leading to procrastination and occasional overload.
As I prepare to leave for university, I carry not just my belongings but also my neurotic tendencies and a sense of burnout that has subtly built over time. Despite these challenges, I’m genuinely eager to embrace university life: meeting new people, exploring unfamiliar subjects, engaging in research, and simply soaking up the academic environment. My relationship with higher education is complicated—mixed with love and occasional frustration.
However, the first steps have already been overwhelming. Orientation has been a flood of information, prompting questions about how to manage my time effectively: Should I apply for internships now? Look for part-time work? Get involved with volunteer organizations? What’s the right level of initiative? And I find myself puzzled—why am I the only one attending some of the optional sessions?
I’m scheduled to see a therapist soon, which I hope will help me navigate these emotions and plans more clearly. Meanwhile, I’d love to hear advice from those who have experienced university life longer than I have—especially if you share similar traits or challenges. How do you balance academics and extracurricular activities? And more importantly, are these pursuits worth the effort in the long run?
Starting this new chapter feels daunting,