adjusting to college

Adjusting to the Adjusting to the Demands of CollegeDemands of College

Classes, Work, and PlayClasses, Work, and Play

There is a happy medium among getting an education, working hard, and having fun (e.g. having a social life and enjoying yourself in college)

If you work hard, you can play hard College requires balance and putting

certain demands into perspective

Lots of ChangesLots of Changes

Emotional adjustments Social adjustments Financial adjustments Academic adjustments

Emotional AdjustmentsEmotional Adjustments

Many college students experience mixed emotions upon arriving on campus for the first time.

Students tend to have feelings of both excitement and nervousness The idea of more freedom and fun are

exciting, but the thought of having to take on new responsibilities can be a little intimidating

Social AdjustmentsSocial Adjustments

It’s important to have social networks in college

Develop good relationships with your roommates and classmates

Join clubs and organizations that interest you

Join study groups

Financial AdjustmentsFinancial Adjustments

Be prepared to deal with money-management challenges (e.g. paying for tuition, room and board, spending money, campus involvement, etc).

Learn to manage your money wisely

Many college students get part-time jobs to help with their expenses. Just make sure your job does not interfere

with your studies if you choose to work. Beware of credit card scams and

overspending It’s a good idea to only have one credit card

with a low credit limit that you can pay off monthly.

Financial Adjustments Cont’dFinancial Adjustments Cont’d

Academic AdjustmentsAcademic Adjustments

In college, there is even more competition for good grades than there was in high school

At times you will need to be competitive in order to succeed

You will need to dedicate more time for studying and prioritizing

Critical Academic AdjustmentsCritical Academic Adjustments

Assuming greater responsibility for your own learning

Being more open-minded and receptive to new (different) ideas

Doing lots of reading that you will be held accountable for

Adjusting to stiffer competition Setting goals and working toward achieving

them Having and maintaining motivation Developing time management skills

Tips for Making Academic Tips for Making Academic AdjustmentsAdjustments

Don’t try to make these adjustments too quickly—it takes a while for the average student to adjust to college and the demands of college

Strive for balance and makes changes a little bit at a time

Make small changes and stick to them Balance and consistency is key

Being a Well-rounded StudentBeing a Well-rounded Student

It is important to be well-rounded in order to get the most out of college

You need to have experiences that go beyond the classroom

Strive for more than just an impressive grade point average and a degree

Engage in extracurricular activities and sports, and participate in campus organizations

Do not limit yourself

Characteristics of Well-rounded Characteristics of Well-rounded StudentsStudents

Earn good grades and enjoy learning

Understand that learning and studying require effort and are willing to put forth that effort

Balance academics, work, and fun

Involvement in extracurricular activities

Goal oriented Have strong networks of

friends and family for support Connect with faculty

members Enjoy being students

Have a variety of interests and hobbies

Take time for themselves Budget time wisely Take responsibility for actions Take care of their health Are help-seekers

Things to Remember about Adjusting to Things to Remember about Adjusting to the Demands of Collegethe Demands of College

Transitioning to college means lots of change and adjustments, and requires balance.

You’ll have to adjust emotionally, socially, financially, domestically, and academically.

Well-rounded students take advantage of what their college has to offer both inside and outside of the classroom

Being a well-rounded student means more than just hitting the books