Preparing for the Upcoming Semester: Navigating University Life with Confidence
Embarking on a new academic journey can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially when moving to a distant city for university. As a 21-year-old psychology major with aspirations for graduate school, I recently attended orientation and found myself flooded with emotions and questions about how to balance everything on my plate.
Transitioning from community college to a university located hours away from home is a significant step. My past involvement has included participation in multiple campus organizations—Student Media, student government, PTK, event planning, SkillsUSA—and juggling part-time work, all while maintaining academic commitments. Reflecting on this, I realize much of my energetic approach stems from my neurodiversity, particularly ADHD, which drives me to pursue numerous activities simultaneously. While this enthusiasm often leads to procrastination and moments of burnout, I manage to push through and complete my tasks.
Now, as I prepare to settle into this new environment, I carry both my drive and my exhaustion with me. Despite the challenges, I remain eager to meet new people, explore research opportunities, and deepen my academic passions. However, the influx of information during orientation has already begun to cause some anxiety. Questions swirl—Should I seek internships now? Is volunteering the right move? How proactive should I be without feeling overwhelmed? I’ve also noticed I’m attending fewer optional sessions than my peers, which leaves me pondering about participation.
Thankfully, I’ve scheduled a session with my therapist this week to help navigate these feelings. Meanwhile, I would appreciate insights from those with more university experience—especially if you’ve managed similar struggles—on how to effectively balance coursework and extracurricular involvement. Is all this effort necessary for long-term success, or is there a better way to prioritize?
Starting university is a momentous step, and while it can be daunting, proper planning and support can transform this experience into a rewarding chapter. Stay tuned for tips on managing the academic and social facets of college life, and remember—you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed. With the right strategies, you can thrive in your higher education journey.