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It’s normal to envision what your first year at CU will be like. After all, college is an exciting time. As you navigate a new campus and class schedule, try to keep in mind that it’s normal if you experience unforeseen challenges, too. Keep these tips in mind to make your transition a little easier.  

1. Living with roommates 

Living with roommates can be a big adjustment. This holds true even if you and your roommate get along. It’s also important to keep in mind that while some roommates may become close friends over time, it’s also okay if you don’t. No matter what your relationship looks like, focus on how you can both create a healthy and considerate relationship throughout the year. 

As you adjust to living together, you may have disagreements or disputes with your roommate. That’s normal. Learning to communicate openly, listen to the other person’s perspective, set boundaries and compromise are crucial to maintaining a healthy living situation. Be patient with yourself and your roommate. It can take time to work out the kinks and find the best way you can live together. 

If you find yourself in a situation that feels ‘off’ or think it may turn into a bigger issue down the road, it’s okay to talk to someone about it now. Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution is available to help you navigate potential conflicts, no matter how small they may seem. 

2. Finding friends 

Some students may feel pressured to make as many friends as fast as they can. Remind yourself that the first few weeks of college can provide you with a variety of social activities and opportunities to meet new people, but forming deep and lasting friendships doesn't happen overnight. In many cases, it will take time, effort and patience. 

You may also find that your initial friend group changes or shifts as you discover new interests or values. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t immediately find a group of lifelong friends. Instead, try to be open to joining new clubs, exploring new interests or going to different events. After all, there is no ‘right’ way to meet people or make friends. 

Most of all, it’s important to remember that there are a lot of other students experiencing the same things. Practice compassion for yourself and others. If you have the opportunity to make someone feel included, it can go a long way for both of you.  

3. Going out 

In college you may find yourself at social events or parties that have alcohol or other drugs, and it can be easy to assume that everyone parties or uses substances in college. However, this stereotype doesn’t hold true (even at CU). Whether you choose to use substances or not, it’s important to make choices that align with your interests and values. 

If you choose to use substances, be sure to check out these tips for navigating parties safely. If you choose not to drink, that’s okay, too. You can still attend gatherings and have fun without substances. In fact, 96% of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú´«Ã½ÎÄ»¯×÷Æ· students surveyed support not drinking at parties.  

There are also plenty of opportunities on and off campus to socialize that don’t involve parties or substances. Take some time to think through what ‘fun’ looks like for you so you can choose your own adventure. You can also connect with CU's Collegiate Recovery Community if you’re looking to meet and hang out with others who are in recovery or seeking recovery from substances. 

4. Enjoying your free time 

One of the benefits of college is that you don’t have to spend your entire day in class anymore. That’s why it’s important to make the best use of the free time you have. Between classes, studying, jobs, extracurriculars and social commitments, your schedule can quickly become jampacked. Any free time you have left may only come in short bursts throughout the day rather than longer breaks. 

Learning how to effectively manage your time will become an important skill throughout college (and adulthood). In some cases, you may find that you’re spending more time than you expected on class assignments, or you may find that you’re frequently having to cancel plans to catch up on other responsibilities. When planning your time, it’s important to be realistic about your capacity and how many things you can truly commit to. If you feel overwhelmed, you may also need to deliberately schedule downtime to avoid getting burned out.  

Remind yourself that it’s okay, and sometimes necessary, to prioritize your own well-being over other activities. If you need help balancing your schedule, check out these time management tips. 

5. Exploring your independence 

Starting college and living on your own can be both exciting and challenging. Moving away from your home, friends and family can feel like a major transition and some people may adapt more quickly than others. Living in a new place, being surrounded by strangers and figuring out what to do with your newly found independence can take time. Keep reminding yourself that it’s okay if things don’t fall into place right away. Afterall, there’s no instruction manual for adulthood. 

You may also notice that you have to take on responsibilities you’ve never even thought about before. For instance, this may be the first time that you’ve done your own laundry, made your own doctor’s appointments, done your own shopping or managed your own finances.  

As you navigate new challenges, remember that college is a learning experience. Give yourself grace and ask for support if you need it. There’s no reason to figure it out on your own. If you need help or support, reach out to your residence advisor, friends, family members or campus resources, like Let’s Talk and Peer Wellness Coaching. They can help you adjust to your new life and provide comfort if you’re feeling overwhelmed or homesick. 

6. Going to class 

Some people may find that college courses are easy, while others find them to be more difficult than high school. Overall, chances are that your classes will fall somewhere in between. 

For this reason, it can be easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others or feeling like you’re not measuring up to your own expectations, especially if you’re feeling challenged by your courses. Practicing self-compassion and treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend can help. Acknowledge your feelings of disappointment or frustration, but don’t dwell on them. Instead, focus on your personal growth and progress. Celebrating small victories, like participating in a class discussion or finishing a brutal assignment, can help you stay motivated and build your confidence. You can also seek support through free services like ASAP Tutoring. 

It’s also important to remember that college is a time of exploration and self-discovery. Be open to challenging your expectations and goals as you learn more about yourself and your interests. You might have entered college set on a particular major but discover a passion for something else entirely. Adopting a flexible mindset can help you feel more equipped to face challenges or roadblocks. It can also help you make the most of unexpected opportunities.  

When you think about what the next semester or year will hold, try to shift your focus away from external expectations to personal growth. By embracing the unpredictable nature of college life, you may find that reality surpasses your initial expectations in ways you never imagined. 

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