One of the most difficult things about college is the transition from living at home to being on your own. For many students, this is the first time they are away from home and responsible for themselves. It can be a challenge to manage your time, budget, and emotions. Here are some common emotional struggles that first-year college students face.

Remember you can ask for help.

Before looking into the struggles, know there are professional services and college coaches available for you. College applicants are stressed by the admissions process and feel alone without the help of a counselor. Searching “best college counselors” should bring you to sites like Empowerly which are dedicated to pairing you with a college counselor who can make the college application process easier for you. College admissions are a struggle for many students, especially if they’re high schoolers who can’t wrap their heads around the admissions process in its entirety.

Even if you know where your dream school is and how you want to get there, a college counselor from Empowerly can still help you find your best options to make the process easier.

If you live in Charlotte, NC, you can look into in-person therapist services to help you maneuver the new life you’ve stepped into. Searching “Therapist Charlotte, NC” will bring you to websites where you can find your best fit to help maneuver the difficulties of college that this article will now talk about in a little more depth.

Struggling With Classes

Many first-year college students struggle with the adjustment to college-level classes. This can be due to many factors, such as feeling overwhelmed by the workload. College classes are typically much more difficult and require a lot more reading and studying than high school classes. In addition, many college professors assign more work and expect students to be more independent in their learning. This can be overwhelming for students who are not used to such a rigorous workload.

Facing New Social Situations

Facing new social situations is a common emotional struggle for first-year college students. It can be difficult to process their new environment because they are leaving the familiar environment of high school and entering a new and unknown world. College is a time of exploration and self-discovery, and for many students, this involves trying new things and meeting new people. This can be a daunting experience, especially for those who are shy or introverted.

Homesickness

The homesickness that first-year college students experience can be attributed to a variety of factors. For many, it is their first time away from home and they miss the comfort and familiarity of being around their family and friends. They may also feel out of place in their new surroundings and uncertain about their ability to succeed in college. In addition, the workload, harsher demands, and stricter responsibilities can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can lead to homesickness.

Coping With a Difficult Roommate

A difficult roommate can be one of the most challenging and frustrating experiences of college. College roommate placements are often randomized, and you don’t get much choice in finding a roommate that is the best fit for you. They can be loud, messy, and take up a lot of space, which can make it difficult to focus on schoolwork or get a good night’s sleep. If you’re struggling with your roommate, it’s best to look into counseling that can help you and maybe your roommate better communicate with each other so as to share the space effectively.

If you are experiencing any of these common emotional struggles, there are a few things that you can do to manage them. First, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that many other students are experiencing the same things. Second, it is important to reach out for help if you are feeling overwhelmed or depressed. Third, it is important to make time for yourself and to relax and rejuvenate. Finally, it is important to stay connected to your friends and family back home. They can be a great source of support during your first year of college.