Navigating the Transition to University: Managing Expectations and Overload
Starting a new academic journey can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, especially when venturing into unfamiliar territory. For many students, the transition involves relocating hundreds of miles away from home to a city they’ve only visited once—an event that can heighten feelings of excitement mixed with apprehension.
As a 21-year-old psychology major aspiring to attend graduate school, I find myself juggling multiple commitments beyond coursework. During my time in community college, I contributed to student media, participated in student government, volunteered with PTK, helped organize campus events, and engaged with SkillsUSA—all while maintaining a part-time job and applying to various universities. My ability to handle this busy schedule was driven largely by my ADHD, which means my brain is constantly craving new activities and experiences, even if it sometimes leads to procrastination or burnout.
Now, as I prepare to begin university, I carry these tendencies and challenges with me, alongside a sense of exhaustion from ongoing stress. Despite this, I remain genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead—meeting diverse people, exploring new academic interests, engaging in research, and participating in campus life. My relationship with academia is complicated—part love, part frustration—but I recognize its value.
The recent orientation sessions have been a flood of information, prompting me to question what steps I should take next. Should I apply for internships now? Should I seek part-time work or volunteer opportunities? How proactive should I be? It’s also amusing (or concerning) that I seem to be the only student attending certain optional events.
I’m scheduled to see my therapist soon, but I would also appreciate insights from those who have navigated similar university experiences—particularly if you relate to my tendency to overcommit and feel overwhelmed. How do you balance coursework with extracurriculars? Is all this effort necessary for long-term success, or is it okay to scale back?
If you’re a student who has faced these challenges, your advice and strategies could be incredibly helpful as I embark on this new chapter. Managing academic responsibilities alongside personal well-being can be complex, but with the right guidance, it’s possible to thrive without sacrificing mental health.