Kachelle Pratcher
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
The thrill of going away to college for the first time can raise different emotions from students and parents.
Excited, anxious, scary, and overwhelming are words that can describe the feelings of first year college students when arriving to campus on that move-in day.
“I’m really excited and was so ready to get away, it is a wake-up call and a reality check, I finally get to do things on my own,” said Kailen Townsend, a freshman business administration major from Chicago, Ill.
Some students are happy to be away from home and can finally be on their own while others dread leaving their parents and having to share a room.
“I have mixed feelings when it comes to being at college, I love that I’m starting a new chapter in my life, but it does get scary at times,” said freshman mass communications major Chandelle Reed from Dallas, Texas.
The first couple of weeks can be hard to adjust to with so many new faces and things going on around you. Staying fit and maintaining wellness can be beneficial to relieving stress and staying healthy.
Rachel Cowan, director of the Walter Payton Center said freshmen were introduced to the concept of wellness and recreation during the first week of the semester at the R.O.M.P. at the Rec.
“This event is our way of introducing freshman students to the facilities, our services and programs and helping them to consider their health, wellness and physical fitness,” said Cowan.
She added that working out helps to reduce stress and helps individuals take their mind off whatever is causing them stress. “Exercising helps you cope with whatever is happening.”
Adjusting to the new scenery, keeping up with the many events and registration schedules can be hectic and overwhelming. Making that transition from high school to college isn’t easy but attending ‘Welcome Week’ activities and meet and greet dorm blisters can make the transition a little smoother.
“Jackson State made me feel comfortable these first few weeks, I love this school. Occasionally I miss home, but being away is okay for now,” said Barbara Wilson, a freshman biology major from Southfield, Mich.
While this will be an exciting time in your lives, experiencing homesickness is common and it is normal to feel loneliness and anxiety from classes. But remember there is always someone to talk to such as community assistants who are older students that live the floor of residence halls.
Those experiencing extreme stress can also visit the Latasha Norman Center for Counseling and Disability services.
Frances White, a therapist at the center, in a series of tips provided to freshman students stated that students should not overextend themselves and jeopardize their grades by participation in too many activities and an extra heavy work load.
Other tips given by the LNC to ease the transition to college include:
• As you move forward in your new surroundings, it’s normal to miss family and friends! It might be a good idea to put up pictures of them in your room. Call or write to them about the new people, activities and friendships you have made and get to know your roommates and classmates.
• You may need one or more of your classmates to become a study friend. Find out about tutorial services. JSU has student mentors who can answer some of your questions and help you adjust to college life. Build new support systems.
• Plan your time well and in advance: Make a schedule for yourself. Be sure to include activities such as sports events, concerts, meetings, etc., in addition to study time and other extracurricular activities. Make sure that you designate enough time to take care of your academic work, including projects. Balance your coursework and extracurricular activities!
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