College Success - Making the Transition

The first semester of college can be very exciting yet at the same time it may also be confusing and stressful. You may go from feeling exhilarated to feeling down all in one day, or even in one hour. One new student explained, "I've been looking forward to being here for so long. Now that I am here there is so much to do, I don't know which way to turn." Having the freedom to make all kinds of decisions, like when to eat, when to go to sleep, who to hang out with, etc., can feel like a lot to manage.

Each one of us deals with change in our own unique way. Some of us thrive on change and others need time to adjust. Be sure to give yourself time to get used to all of the new things in your life. It's not unusual to feel uncomfortable in new situations. It is important to notice your feelings, rather than ignoring them. It may be helpful to talk to someone about what you are experiencing; a friend, your Community Advisor or a counselor are all good options.

You may find yourself thinking, "I can't exactly describe it, but I don't feel like myself", or "I feel different than everyone else here." All of these thoughts and feelings are a normal response to encountering many changes at the same time. You are on a new journey, moving beyond your circle of family and friends to be in a new place, making new friends, and setting new priorities.

The Counseling Center is a valuable resource for students.  It can be helpful to come in to talk with someone sooner rather than later, when you are trying to sort things out. Students at Lesley have come in to the Counseling Center to talk about feeling depressed, worried, lonely, isolated or just "completely overwhelmed." Students have also talked with counselors about self-esteem, relationship issues, family problems, sexuality, body image, homesickness and traumatic experiences. By talking to someone who is a good listener, students often feel better, gain new perspectives, and develop ideas about their next steps.

You can make an appointment by calling 617-349-8545. If you get the voicemail, please leave us a message with a few good times to reach you and we will call you back. You may also stop by and if no one is available leave us a note in the box on the door, and we will get in touch with you.

READ ABOUT ONE STUDENT'S STORY OF TRANSITION...