By Brooke Chaplan
Moving is often rated as one of the most stressful experiences everyone undergoes at some point. Gathering your things, organizing supplies and then unloading and unpacking afterwards can really be a pain. And when you consider how hard it is to move across the country for the first time, it’s no wonder so many college students have trouble with their first year away. Finding a support system can greatly increase your ability to succeed in school and feel more at ease in a new place. Use these tips to get adjusted and find you place at school.
Join a Club
There are always clubs on campus students are encouraged to join. When you join a club, you’re going to be put in close contact with peers who share a common interest. This can help you form bonds and develop relationships that can potentially last the rest of your life. Often club mamberships look good on resumes and job applications. Most importantly, you’ll be able to find some much-needed companionship to relax and unwind.
Look into Department Meetings
Get active within your department of study. There are often meetings that include students. This is a good way to meet other classmates who have the same interests as you. Ask your advisor for suggestions on any upcoming events and get active in your field. For example, if you’re interested in getting a health information management degree, you may be able to get notifications about outreach programs to clinics in your area. This can also put you on the path to future careers, scholarships, and internships.
Volunteer Often
There are all sorts of charity events you can take advantage of in your spare time. Many of these charities recruit students during the first week of classes. Get out and walk around your campus, and there is a good chance you’ll see some of these booths where you can sign up to take action.
Engage in Sports
Join one of the entry-level sports teams on the campus. While studying is important, you don’t want to gain that dreaded freshman 15. By participating in sports, you’ll develop a close-knit group of friends and you can stay fit as well. Don’t just look into sports teams on campus. You should also look outside of the university for teams that accept anyone.
Study Teams
Join a study team. Even if you don’t think you need help with your studies, these groups can help you to deal with the stresses of school. You’ll be able to interact with other classmates, and this can make your university experience more fulfilling.
No matter what you do, it’s important to get out and see what’s going on around the campus. Go to football games, participate in campus events, and stay involved. Keep a schedule for your studies, and spend your free time actively seeking out new experiences to improve your overall success.