Top 10 Ways to Successfully Adjust to College Life

A new setting. A new culture. A new set of rules. Being away from home can take a while to get used to. But, there are a few things that you can do to help make your transition an easier one. Keep in mind that acclimating to your new home may not happen overnight, but making smart choices can make it a lot more enjoyable. Here are steps you can take that can help you successfully adjust:

  1. Get involved. Involvement with others and participating in campus activities is healthy. It breeds positive thoughts and feelings and is associated with good self-esteem and academic success.
  2. Stay positive. Work toward maintaining an optimistic attitude and interacting with others in productive ways. Be accepting and tolerant of yourself and others.
  3. Go to class. Attendance in class ought to be one of your top priorities. There is a direct correlation between your attendance and academic success, which leads to reduced stress.
  4. Party smart. If you choose to drink alcohol, be responsible. Don’t harm yourself or others by making poor choices. Irresponsible partying will result in poor academic performance. Do everything in moderation. Also, remember that in the state of Alabama, it is illegal to drink alcohol if you are under 21 years of age.
  5. Stay on campus when you can. The college years are a time to develop independence and autonomy. This occurs when you become your own person and develop new relationships in your new community.
  6. Eat and sleep well. You will not be a successful student if you do not take care of yourself. You function at your best when you’re healthy.
  7. Practice good stress management. While some stress is inevitable, there are things we can do to prevent or reduce stress. Help is available at your Counseling Center.
  8. Communicate productively. Respect other people, but don’t expect them to read your mind. Your professors don’t know what’s going on in your life unless you tell them. Be willing to initiate conversations with others, including your professors.
  9. Maintain healthy relationships. Healthy communication is a necessity for maintaining any relationship. Make sure you set healthy boundaries and put some effort into relationships that are important to you. Also, put effort into resolving conflicts in ways that honor yourself and others. Stay in touch with those who support you.
  10. Stay focused. Academic life requires students to focus and concentrate. Work to avoid or reduce things that interfere with your concentration.