The start of a new academic year always brings a buzz to campus. Whether students are returning to the Capstone or beginning their journey at The University of Alabama, the fall semester is a time of growth and discovery.
While exciting, this time can also involve potential stresses and challenges. Some students may experience homesickness or feelings of loneliness, sadness or insecurity that encourage isolation (which usually doesn’t help)
All these feelings can be normal and natural. With the right approach to campus life, they can be temporary. Here is a five-step plan to combat potential homesickness and ease the transition to campus life
1. Get involved
The best way to establish a strong sense of belonging in a new environment is to take an active role in the community. Whether by joining a student organization or taking part in local volunteer efforts, UA students can find several opportunities to get involved on campus.
Get on Board Day serves as an excellent springboard for students looking to connect with student organizations. Thevents. Students are also encouraged to explore the recently established 1831 List, which spotlights 18 must-attend events and 31 memorable experiences that students won’t want to miss during their first eight weeks on campus
Volunteering is another great way to build relationships on campus. Students can find and register for hundreds of volunteering opportunities year-round through BamaPulse.
2. Build a strong supporting cast
Participating in student organizations and local volunteer programs helps students build their campus community. It can also introduce them to like-minded peers, who help form a positive and uplifting environment.
While forming new relationships is an essential part of campus acclimation, students must also be mindful of the connections they build. Work to avoid unhealthy or “toxic” relationships while also practicing give and take with your friends. Relationships should be balanced, and boundaries should be respected. Students should aim to develop bonds where both parties feel supported
The Counseling Center offers re unhealthy
3. Be present
It might seem simple, but the best way for students to succeed in the classroom is to be in the classroom.
For many students, life at UA offers a first taste of independence. While that can lead to positive self discovery, it can often result in poor decision making and time-management practices. Skipping class often causes students to fall behind, and over time, that can develop into a spiral of stress that affects both academic performance and personal well-being.
Attendance in class should be one of the top priorities for all students. Along with that, students should ensure that they are truly present in their studies, working to eliminate distractions while placing themselves in the best position to learn. The Capstone Center for Student Success has several tools to help students position themselves for academic success, such as peer tutoring and academic coaching.
4. Take care of your body
From pizza to partying, the college experience can often lead to students overlooking their physical well-being. That can cause mental stress as well as poor academic performance.
Students who choose to drink alcohol and party should do so responsibly. Failure to do so oftentimes results in decisions that put students and their peers in harmful situations. Reckless partying can also lead to poor academic success, causing more stress for students down the road.
In addition to moderation with alcohol, students are also encouraged to monitor their overall nutrition. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy the many treats and snacks on campus, UA also offers a variety of dietary options for well-balanced nutrition.
Along with moderation and a healthy diet, students are also encouraged to take part in physical wellness activities. Group fitness classes and intramural teams are a great way to take care of your body and build relationships.
5. Take care of your mind
Psychological wellness is often overlooked when evaluating personal well-being. That doesn’t make it any less important
Some stress is inevitable. If, however, you find that stress or other mental health symptoms like anxiety or depression are getting in the way of your ability to live your life as a student, it may be a sign that you need to reach out for support. The Counseling Center offers several resources to support student psychological wellness, from individual sessions and group therapy options to Mind Matters workshops and online, chat-based support. It’s important for students to prioritize themselves while striving to maintain an optimistic and productive attitude.
