Understanding the Transition to College Life

Adjusting to college is different for each person. College represents freedom, eagerness, and anticipation of new experiences. For some, this transition also includes nervousness and anxiety. Overall, it is a time that will involve a shift from the familiar to a new, different, and unfamiliar environment.

Students are faced with many new challenges when they arrive on campus. Adjusting to new routines and different kinds of people can be stressful and awkward for anyone.

Developing the ability and discipline needed to effectively manage time and balance multiple demands will emerge as one of the significant challenges of the first year. No one will tell students when to go to bed, get up for class, get a haircut, or when and how to do their laundry. This increased degree of independence can initially be overwhelming for some and may require some trial and error. As students are exposed to new values and behaviors, they also may try new things. Many students will do their share of making what may later be regarded as naive choices. 

Students will learn to take initiative, to accept responsibility, and in so doing, begin to relate to peers, instructors, and parents in new ways. A sense of independence grows out of this process, which assists students in building confidence and discovering their values, interests, and strengths. 

Throughout the first year of college, students will have to meet a series of challenges and all are part of an important period of exploration and discovery. 

You, as a parent, have done a fantastic job—your son or daughter has made it to college. Even though you will not be around to guide him/her on a day-to-day basis, there will now be new people to whom s/he can go for answers to questions and guidance while away from your care. Our staff members look forward to assisting your student make a positive transition to Emerson and have a productive and successful college experience.