You’ve almost made it to the end of the semester. Give yourself a high five.
The transition to college is a big step in everyone’s life. Everyone has their ups and downs when first starting to navigate their college experience, but the confusion and difficulties may be higher this time due to the pandemic. Not to worry, we’ve outlined the dos and don’ts for your freshman year.
Don’t Freak Out, You Still Have a Lot of Time
Take a deep breath. It’s only the start of your college journey and there’s so much to unpack here. You have four long years, but each day has endless possibilities. It’s easy to feel as if the pandemic will always be a part of your college life but it’s important to stay grounded and understand that we are making progress against the virus every day. That said, don’t suppress your future plans because of the pandemic. For example, if you want to potentially study abroad at another NYU location during your four years, don’t cross it off the list just yet. Many of the study abroad locations are starting to offer in person classes again as restrictions are lifted, and will likely continue to do so in the future.
Do Join Clubs and Extracurricular Activities
Undoubtedly one of the best ways to connect with new people is through clubs or other extracurricular activities. Not only can you meet others with similar interests, but it’s a great way to make new friends as well. Taking part in extracurriculars can also be beneficial for your personal and professional development, especially if you continue them over a long period. There are opportunities for leadership, new skills and so much more. Given the current state of extracurricular activities in the university (with some in person and some online), it can feel discouraging to actively take part in these activities. But it’s important to focus on what’s present, not what’s missing. Is your club of choice only meeting a few times in person? Well, it’s better than not being able to meet them altogether! Compromise is a crucial part of this pandemic and a little bit of it comes from everyone.
Don’t Worry About Making Friends, Be a Friend
Try putting yourself in other people’s shoes! Almost everyone in your freshman class is going through this experience for the first time, and it can be nerve-wracking. For many, this is the first time living independently, and oftentimes in a new city or country. That’s why it’s important to be a friendly face. Take initiative. Say hello to people first. See someone struggling? Offer your help. This is especially helpful when breaking the ice with your new roommates. Keep in mind that the past year has been a difficult one for many as people faced many problems (fighting Covid-19, potentially losing loved ones, faced problems financially, etc.) all while navigating school virtually. Your kind gestures will not go unnoticed and you may end up bettering someone else’s college experience.
Do Put Your Health First
Almost two years into the pandemic, many things have changed in terms of restrictions and preventive measures. But if you still feel uncomfortable attending an event or gathering in large crowds, that’s perfectly acceptable. Many people have a hard time balancing their health issues (especially those with chronic conditions) and their social life amid the pandemic. And that is immensely amplified for many college students. This is especially true in regards to mental health, as in addition to regular academic stress, students have to keep safe from the pandemic. Fears of missing out or loneliness may rise if you miss out on an event or two and that’s okay. Your ultimate priority should be your well-being.
Don’t Panic If You Get Homesick
Homesickness comes in waves. Sometimes you’re having the best time and don’t think twice about the life you left behind. Other times you’d do anything to go back and spend one more day in your hometown. These mixed feelings when moving are normal. However, perhaps this year, after spending so much time together with family and friends at home, the separation is a bit more difficult for freshmen students. But no need to panic, as we’ve had almost a full year to familiarize ourselves with online meetings. Just like in the pandemic, we can still communicate with family and friends around the world and engage in events, games and more. The important thing is to address our feelings of homesickness and reach out to our loved ones.
Do Explore as Much as Possible
NYU’s campus has an incredible location, and you should definitely be taking advantage of that. There are endless things to discover, right at your doorstep and I recommend starting out with small businesses. Many businesses suffered during the early days of the pandemic, but as we move towards fewer restrictions, they will certainly appreciate all the new customers. And remember, there will always be a small business no matter what you’re looking for: books, clothes, food, etc. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all your options, start by familiarizing yourself with places right around the campus. This will not only help you get to know the area better but will allow you to eventually find your local favorites.