Freshman Year Adjustment Issues

By understanding the ups and downs that most freshmen encounter during the first year of college, you will feel better knowing you’re not alone in your experiences.  Below are some common adjustment issues that most freshmen face (both positive and negative.)

August/September:

• Honeymoon-time of excitement about leaving home and making new friends.
• Fear of not fitting in
• Homesickness, especially if you are far from home.
• Adjustment to new (often smaller) living quarters and room-mate.
• Learning to manage daily routine and responsibilities (laundry, etc.)
• Longing for friends left behind
• First exams –some students who coasted through high school are shocked at low grades on the first exam.

October:

• Many students are not getting enough sleep and immune system is weakened: colds and other stress related illnesses arise. 
• Academic demands increase with mid-term approaching.
• Most students have learned their way around campus and are increasing their self-confidence as their circle of friends expands. 

November:

• Many exams and papers due before Thanksgiving, increasing stress.
• Seasonal depression and anxiety, especially if students are not sleeping properly or getting enough exercise.
• Students excited and or anxious about returning home for Thanksgiving.

December:

• Anxiety over preparing for final exams
• Excitement and/or anxiety about returning home for Christmas
• Wondering how family will react to newfound independence

January:

• Excitement to return to friends on campus
• Students who haven’t performed well academically may make a “new beginning.”
• Colds and flu may interfere with academic performance.

February:

• Students may feel claustrophobic and/or depressed with decreased outdoor activities during winter
• May feel pressured to make better grades this semester
• Valentine’s Day may bring out loneliness, isolation.

March:

• Excitement and/or disappointment about plans for spring break.
• Social involvement increases; decisions increase regarding morality and time management.
• Mid-term exams and papers all seem to be due at the same time.

April:

• “Spring fever” sets in with increased sense of optimism.
• Time management becomes more challenging.
• Students experience concern over choosing major
• As end of semester approaches, students become sad over leaving new found “family.”

May:

• Pressure of final exams and papers.
• Students may panic about summer jobs or internships that are not finalized.
• Students worry about transition back to living at home.