Some might call freshman year of college the “honeymoon phase.”
Now, I don’t say that to imply that the rest of college is miserable. But there’s some truth to the fact that freshman year is like a dream. You’re starting an incredibly exciting new chapter of your life. It doesn’t matter what you were like in high school, because college is an opportunity to be someone completely different. From the moment you arrive on campus for welcome week, you’re bombarded with new people and stacked orientation events.
That whole momentum continues throughout the first year. You feel motivated. You show up to lectures 15 minutes early. You spend hours upon hours in the library. You go out with your friends. It feels like you have time to do anything.
Well, I’m here to confirm that the sophomore slump has already begun to swallow me up, and I’ve only been back on campus for less than three weeks. The weight of my classes is already on my shoulders, despite the fact that I’m happy with what I’m studying and with the courses I’ve elected to take. I’ve been finding it difficult to get myself to sit at my desk and commit to a good few hours of doing work.
This isn’t meant to be a pessimistic take on the second year of college. I adore college. My life here is independent, and I truly feel like I’m on track to achieving my dreams every single day because this place motivates me to do that. College is an immense privilege. But I wouldn’t be fully truthful if I didn’t admit to the personal difficulties that come with year two of university.
When I woke up for the first day of classes in my new apartment, I felt slightly unsettled. I was somewhat grieving the freestyle pace of freshman year. Now, my thoughts are consumed by a little voice in my mind asking, “Can I do it all?” The internship research, the studying, the clubs, the going out. Could I really take advantage of everything I have access to here in this amazing city? This awful fear of failing has consumed me the past few weeks.
My friend and I chatted about this shared issue while waiting for the T to take us to the Boston Common. We were both so exhilarated that sophomore year had begun, but also admitted to the sense of impending doom that has unexpectedly accompanied it. The first month is hard; that’s what my parents tell me. I didn’t expect to struggle because I’m not technically new to college anymore, but I’m realizing your body and mind don’t always adjust as fast as you want them to.
I think it’s normal to face a bit of an identity crisis when you return to a place after leaving it for a little while. It’s perfectly normal to love being somewhere and also be a little homesick, a little frazzled, and a lot unsure about the direction of your future. It’s okay to face burnout and be confused about what the next steps you should take are, whether that be socially, academically, or anything else.
I’m finding solace in taking time for myself every single day. Whether that’s winding down by watching my favorite show before bed (currently, it’s New Girl) or getting a coffee by myself in the morning before class. I’m also finding peace in being with my friends. In the face of stress, it’s easy to isolate and stay locked up in your room. It’s so important to get out and do something. Even if it’s a 20-minute walk to and from the grocery store, or just ordering takeout with your friends, it can make all the difference and allow you to feel a little less overwhelmed by all the changes you’re facing.
So, even though the sophomore slump might be hitting me now, I expect that in the next few weeks, I’ll feel better. It takes time to adjust back into this life, one where you’re living on your own and really taking care of yourself in every single aspect.
remember to appreciate every moment as it comes, and don’t let your stress keep you from joy.
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