Candid Comments from
College Students: In my conversations with
college students, these young adults shared what their personal challenges were
when they started college.
In my practice I am able to assist students and families with the often
overlooked emotional preparation for college.
"My
most difficult adjustment was getting acclimated to enormous numbers of people
who swarmed the campus...in a huge lecture hall filled with students, it was
hard to feel like an individual." LY, Cornell University
"About dating and sex...it really helps if you at least think about
those decisions before you end up having to make them - at least you're
somewhat more prepared when you have to decide." SN, University of
Michigan
"I needed to learn to use myself rather than my parents as the key
resource. At the beginning, especially, it was hard." SR,
Rutgers
"Everyone has roommate issues. I think some people need
preparation for living with other people, learning to compromise."
RL, Ithaca College
"Adjusting
would have been easier if I had addressed some issues before leaving - like
long distance relationships, drinking, drugs and assertiveness." DR,
University of Colorado
"A ton of work and a ton of distractions, managing your time well is
really important." LT, Boston University
"I feel everyone suffers from anxiety to some extent at college,
whether it be meeting new people, dealing with rigorous academics or feeling
lost in the crowd." SD, University of Virginia
"Being away from my family and friends was really
the hardest part." SB, University of Wisconsin
"I was surrounded by students who also had been at
the top of their class....I was worried I wouldn't measure up."
BF, Duke University
"Eating is a very touchy issue. I think it
should be addressed before college." PD,
Oberlin College
"Wish someone had told me to 'calm down.'
Anticipation of this 'huge change' was much worse than the actual change."
DS, Vassar College
"Time management is extremely important...too many
people who lose control of time and pulling 'all-nighters' all the time."
RS, Lafayette College
"Coping strategies for anxiety or
depression would have been helpful." SK, Brandeis University
