Freshman year of college is often hyped up to be one of the best times of your life. You hear about the freedom, the friendships, and the excitement of something new. What’s often skipped over are the harder parts, like the ones that can make you feel like you’re the only one struggling. But the truth is, almost everyone is figuring it out at the same time.
It’s okay to feel homesick
When I first got to college, the only place I wanted to be was back home. I’ve never been someone who adjusts easily to change, so the transition hit me harder than I expected. I was very upset and sad during my first few weeks of college because it felt like a part of me was left back home. I had never been away from my family for an extended period of time before college, and it felt overwhelming to say the least.
What made it even harder was the feeling that no one else was going through the same thing. Everyone around me seemed to be adjusting just fine. Meanwhile, I was just trying to get through the day. Like most things, over time, it did get better. But in the moment, it felt incredibly isolating. I wish I had known that homesickness doesn’t mean you’re not meant to be there, it just means you are human.
It’s okay to change your major
I came into college as a health science major with plans of becoming a physical therapist. It felt like a safe choice; it was something that made sense based on what I had liked in high school. But within the first few weeks, I realized something wasn’t right.
My first college-level science class was the major turning point. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was giving something my absolute all and still failing. I had always been a strong student, so not being able to pass a test, even after studying hard, was frustrating and, honestly, a little scary. But that struggle forced me to be honest with myself and brought me to the conclusion that this wasn’t the path for me.
About a month into freshman year, I made the decision to switch my major to strategic communications with a minor in marketing. It wasn’t easy and felt uncertain at the time, but it ended up being an amazing decision. I’m more engaged, more interested, and overall happier with what I’m studying. Changing your mind doesn’t mean you failed; it just means you’re figuring it out.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed
The college workload is a completely different experience from high school. In high school, I could usually finish everything quickly and stay on top of my work without too much stress. College is just not the same.
There were times when I felt like no matter how much I worked, there was always more to do. Not being able to complete everything right away was something I had to learn to accept. Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re falling behind; it only means you’re adjusting to a new level of responsibility.
It’s sometimes difficult to find a routine that works for you
In high school, my schedule was structured for me. In college, everything is up to you. When you study, what you do in your free time, and when you rest. At first, that freedom can feel more stressful than exciting.
It took time for me to figure out what worked best for me, and honestly, I’m still figuring it out. Some weeks feel balanced, and others feel completely off. And that’s completely normal.
It’s okay to feel discouraged
There are going to be moments when you question yourself: your choices, your abilities, even whether or not you belong. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It just means you’re growing.
College isn’t solely about academics or social life; it’s about learning who you are. And that process isn’t always easy or comfortable.