I’m afraid I’m going to lose my mind this upcoming semester

Navigating the Challenges of Starting University: Tips for Managing Your Schedule and Expectations

Embarking on a new academic journey can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when moving far from home to a bustling city for your studies. If you’re feeling anxiety about balancing everything, you’re not alone—many students experience similar emotions. Here’s a relatable perspective and some advice to help you navigate the transition smoothly.

Starting Fresh in a New Environment

Recently, I attended my university’s orientation, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in my life. I’m relocating hours away from home to immerse myself in a city I’ve only visited once before. As a 21-year-old psychology major aspiring to graduate school, I’ve always been proactive and involved. Last year, even during my time at community college, I managed to juggle multiple commitments—ranging from student media and student government to national organizations, campus events, and part-time work—sometimes clocking in up to 20 hours weekly.

Understanding Personal Quirks

I believe my ability to handle such a packed schedule is partly due to my ADHD, which often sparks my enthusiasm for new projects. My brain naturally gravitates toward new ideas and opportunities, leading me to start tasks with energy, although I sometimes procrastinate or struggle with completing everything on time. Despite the occasional setbacks, I take pride in managing to get through my responsibilities—albeit with some stress along the way.

Dealing with Burnout and Excitement

Now, as I prepare to transition to university life, I carry my neurotic tendencies with me, alongside underlying burnout I’ve been experiencing for a while. Nevertheless, I’m genuinely excited about making new connections, delving into research, and exploring new academic avenues. My feelings about education are complex—I love its opportunities but also feel the weight of expectations and uncertainties.

Navigating Orientation and First Steps

The recent orientation sessions have been an overwhelming flood of information—so much so that I find myself questioning whether I should immediately seek internships, part-time jobs, volunteer opportunities, or join organizations. There’s also the dilemma of how proactive I should be right from the start and why I feel out of place attending some optional events.

Seeking Support and Guidance

I have a therapy session scheduled for this week, but I’m also eager to hear from students with more experience—especially those who might relate to my feelings of juggling multiple commitments and balancing academic and extracurricular pursuits. Are these efforts valuable in the long term? How do you manage your time effectively

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