The transition of High school to College is a very challenging experience for us students. It includes establishing new identities and managing new emotions. College requires us to have a strong ability to adapt. According to Organista, a blogger, “Moving into a new environment and meeting new people means leaving everything that’s familiar. The past may have been great, something that’s hard to leave behind; or maybe it was more difficult, you struggled just to get through, and what you’re facing may be a welcome change”. We can make these new changes as an inspiration to be better.

We may encounter stress and anxiety, but we have to surpass it. We may consider stressors such as figuring out new living arrangements, redefining your role in the community, managing finances, and long distance relationship with your parents, how you will deal with your new classmates, and even your roommates can mean extra demands that you may not have been prepared for. Adapting to changes, learning new coping mechanisms, or revisiting some familiar ones is all important strategies that can help you feel grounded.

People would always quote, “you have to dance with the rhythm of the environment” which is true. We have to adapt to our new environment. Life is survival of the fittest. But how will we overcome anxiety, stress, and adapting to college life?

First, we got to have a good time management. By having an organized schedule, you can stay on track of your priorities and tackle each day in a proactive fashion. Second, we have to stay fit and healthy. We must implement a healthy lifestyle. We won’t be successful if we are always ill. Third, we ask help. If you feel sad and stressed, we have to let it all out. We can seek the guidance counsellor and even our professors. If you are having hard time with your subjects you can talk to your professors. Fourth, make new friends. Having fun with friends stimulates healthy hormones that can help you feel better emotionally and physically. You won’t like to be called loner and loser right? Join a campus org and let your voice be heard. Fifth, have a break and pamper yourself. Give yourself a reward for being able to little-by-little cope with your new environment.

We cannot just easily adapt to college life, we may undergo lots of problem. The road maybe too narrow, maybe too wobbly, and a bit rocky, in the end the prize is just splendid. Think of adapting college as like this:

At first, it may be crucial for us but eventually, it would be of great outcome. We must dance with the rhythm of change and go with the flow of life. If we won’t, we will not grow. We will not learn. We will not be what we want to be. It’s just a matter of faith, trust, and patience. Faith that we can surpass everything, trust that we can be what we want to be, and patience on learning new things. We must always be eager to new ideas. We must always be hungry for knowledge and learning.

You have to get used to the fast pace of life, but be sure to stay your feet on the ground and never let your peers let you do nasty things. Be sure to keep an intimate relationship with God. You wouldn’t like to live a life full of evil doings and vices. Have an open-relationship with your parents. Talk to them, they would surely help you out in times of crisis.

As for me, I am still having difficulty adapting to the new life I have. Life back in Saudi is way different here. I got used with the culture of Saudi Arabia that’s why I’m having difficulties in adapting ours again. Philippines have changed a lot. It’s like I’m a foreigner in my own country, and it makes me sad. Little-by-little, with the help of my relatives, and my new friends, I am now used to living an independent life here in the Philippines. No more crying and lonely moments, just pure happiness. I’ve realized that, I have to grow-up and face the realities of the world. I am a young adult now and I must stand in my own feet, but of course my parents still guide me.

As I have said in the beginning, College is a very challenging experience for us. We may feel alone, stressed, and anxious, but look at the brighter side of the picture. There’s a bright future for us. There is more to life than weeping. Smile, the world awaits you.